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BEIJING: North Korea's atom bomb test last year has emphasised the need for China to step up its nuclear and radioactive security regime, state press said on Wednesday, citing the nation's environmental watchdog.
The Chinese government has allocated 40 million yuan (5.12 million dollars) to better monitor nuclear and radioactive pollution, the China Daily said, citing State Environmental Protection Administration Minister Zhou Shengxian.
Zhou said China's increasing use of nuclear power was one reason for upgrading its monitoring system, but North Korea's October 9 test, carried out around 100 kilometres (60 miles) from the Chinese border, also highlighted the need for a better regime.
"The significance of nuclear and radioactive security was underscored... following the nuclear test last October in neighbouring Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)," the paper said, summarising Zhou.
Nuclear and radioactive security is defined as regular inspection of nuclear use and operations and an effective response to emergencies, the paper said.
North Korea's nuclear test prompted widespread international condemnation and resulted in UN sanctions, backed by Beijing, Pyongyang's long-time ally.
There have been no reports of any radiation leaks after the test.
China, last year, set up six nuclear and radioactivity monitoring centres, as China's nuclear power use is expected to soar in the coming decades, the paper said.
China currently generates 8,000 megawatts of nuclear power, about two percent of its total energy output, but that is expected to grow to 12,000 megawatts in 2010 and 40,000 megawatts by 2020. - AFP/so
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