(15 Jun 2021) China's government said on Tuesday that no abnormal radiation was detected outside a nuclear power plant near Hong Kong following a news report of a leak.
The operators released few details, but based on their statement, nuclear experts said gas might be leaking from fuel rods inside a reactor in Taishan, 135 kilometers (85 miles) west of Hong Kong.
A foreign ministry spokesman in Beijing, Zhao Lijian, gave no confirmation of a leak or other details.
He responded to reporters' questions by saying, "there is nothing abnormal detected in the radiation level surrounding the plant."
"Safety is guaranteed," he added.
Framatome, a French company that helps manage the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong province, said Monday it was dealing with a "performance issue." It said the facility was operating within safe limits.
That followed a report by CNN that Framatome wrote to the U.S. Department of Energy, warning of an "imminent radiological threat" and accusing Chinese authorities of raising acceptable limits for radiation outside the plant to avoid having to shut it down.
U.S. officials believed there was no severe safety threat, CNN said.
Zhao, the foreign ministry spokesman, defended China's nuclear safety record and said the nuclear agency works with regulators in other countries and the IAEA.
"China's nuclear power plants have maintained a good record in operation and no incidents affecting the environment or public health have occurred," Zhao said.
China is one of the biggest users of nuclear power and is building more reactors at a time when few other governments have plans for new facilities because the cost of solar, wind and other alternatives is plunging.
Chinese leaders see nuclear energy as a way to reduce air pollution and demand for imports of oil and gas, which they deem a security risk.
The Taishan plant, which began commercial operation in December 2018, is owned by China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group and Electricite de France, the majority owner of Framatome.
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