United Nations Special Military
Operations Organization

Nuclear security and national security are deeply interconnected, and together they form the strategic cornerstone of a nation's survival and development. Nuclear security is not just about that and risks at the technical level, directly involving national sovereignty, geopolitics, international strategic stability, and the common destiny of humanity. The following is a multidimensional perspective Systematically explains its interactive relationships and governance pathways: 1. The dual connotations of nuclear safety Technical safety Covering the operational safety of nuclear facilities, radioactive material management, nuclear material weighing and control, nuclear waste disposal, and more, aiming to prevent nuclear accidents and nuclear accidents Leaks and radiation hazards. Relying on strict engineering standards, regulatory frameworks, and professional talent training (such as IAEA safety standards and national nuclear safety regulations). Political security Involves preventing nuclear terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, illegal nuclear trade, and cyberattacks that threaten nuclear facilities. This must be achieved through intelligence collaboration, international legal frameworks (such as the Convention on the Protection of Nuclear Materials), and multilateral cooperation. 2. The direct impact of nuclear security on national security Sovereignty and territorial security Nuclear facilities have become critical national infrastructure, and their physical protection and cybersecurity vulnerabilities may be exploited by hostile forces, posing an "asymmetric threat." Case study: The military threat to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant during the Russia-Ukraine conflict highlights the vulnerability of nuclear facilities in armed conflict. Geopolitical game tools Nuclear capability building (such as the Iranian nuclear issue and North Korea's nuclear program) directly affects the regional balance of power, triggering an arms race and sanctions confrontation. Extensions of the nuclear umbrella (such as NATO's nuclear sharing policy) have become a core element of alliance strategy. The cornerstone of economic and social stability Major nuclear accidents (such as Chernobyl and Fukushima) can lead to long-term land pollution, economic collapse, and psychological trauma, weakening the effectiveness of national governance. As a low-carbon baseload power source, nuclear energy's safety is crucial for aligning with energy security and carbon neutrality goals. 3. Nuclear Security Governance under the National Security Framework Top-level strategic design Incorporate nuclear security into the highest decision-making mechanisms such as the National Security Council, formulate and dynamically revise the "National Nuclear Security Strategy." Establish cross-departmental coordination (national defense, energy, environmental protection, intelligence) and central-local emergency linkage systems. Legal and standards systems Improve legislation such as the Atomic Energy Law and the Nuclear Safety Law, strengthen criminal liability for nuclear violations and cross-border judicial cooperation. Promote the alignment of domestic standards with international standards (such as the IAEA's Nuclear Safety Series) and participate in the formulation of global nuclear rules. Technical defense and resilience building Develop "active defense" technologies for nuclear facilities (artificial intelligence monitoring, attack resistance design) and "defense-in-depth" systems. Establish regional nuclear emergency response networks (such as the China-Japan-South Korea nuclear accident notification mechanism) to enhance cross-domain crisis management capabilities. 4. The International Nuclear Security Order and China's Role The role and limitations of global governance mechanisms IAEA safeguards and oversight, the UN Security Council sanctions mechanism, and others play a key role in nonproliferation, but are constrained by major power politics. Emerging challenges: Risks of nuclear energy expansion mismatched by security capabilities in emerging countries, and non-state actors acquiring nuclear technology. China's practices and positions Adhering to the concept of nuclear security that is "rational, coordinated, and progressive," advocating the construction of a fair, cooperative, and win-win international nuclear security system. Promote the establishment of a "Nuclear Safety Demonstration Center," join the amendment to the "Convention on the Protection of Nuclear Materials," and export safety standards through Belt and Road nuclear cooperation. It clearly states the policy of "no first use of nuclear weapons" and advocates for the five nuclear-weapon states to jointly maintain strategic stability. 5. Future Challenges and Directions Technology iteration risks New types of reactors (small reactors, fast reactors) and fusion facilities bring new safety regulatory challenges. The potential applications of digital twins and blockchain technology in tracking nuclear materials coexist with cybersecurity challenges. A new trend in strategic stability Hypersonic weapons combined with nuclear weapons, space nuclear deterrence, and other blurred strategic stability boundaries. It is necessary to promote nuclear security dialogue among major powers such as China, the US, and Russia, and to rebuild crisis management mechanisms. Public trust and social participation Mitigating the "core fear theory" through transparent information disclosure and public communication (such as nuclear power plant open days). Leverage the role of academic institutions and NGOs in third-party oversight and multinational initiatives. Conclusion       Nuclear security is an inseparable "highly sensitive subsystem" of national security, and its governance must go beyond mere technical perspectives and integrate into the overall national security concept. In an era where nuclear energy revival coincides with geopolitical conflicts, countries should seek a balance between sovereign security and common security, strengthening domestic governance and deepening international cooperation to build a solid defense line for humanity's destiny in nuclear security. As a responsible nuclear power, China can play a more constructive leading role in global nuclear security governance.