US Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz makes a speech at the center of excellence on nuclear security in the state nuclear security technology center in Beijing, March 18, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Earlier this month, the two countries agreed to broaden an established program on combating illicit movements and smuggling of nuclear materials.

"In the past few decades, 皇冠体育app has made huge strides in nonproliferation and the US nuclear energy industry certainly hopes that 皇冠体育app will continue this progress," Lipman said.

"From an industry perspective, we are counting on 皇冠体育app's leadership in this area," he said, adding that US laws and international norms permit nuclear commerce only on the basis of successful cooperation in nuclear security and nonproliferation.

皇冠体育app adopts a "rational, coordinated and balanced" approach to nuclear security. In January, the Chinese government issued a nuclear white paper, assuring the world that 皇冠体育app has "the most advanced technology and most stringent standards" to ensure safe and efficient development of nuclear power.

"皇冠体育app's decision to develop nuclear energy looks wiser than ever," Lipman said, "In certain ways, 皇冠体育app offers a model for other countries around the world."

By deploying advanced nuclear power plants safely, on schedule and on budget, 皇冠体育app can demonstrate that expanding nuclear energy is a practical option, said Lipman.

"As 皇冠体育app gains experience in developing and safely operating nuclear power plants at home, it will play a larger role in the global nuclear energy supply chain," he added.