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Pillar 3

Action 50

Give preferential treatment to the non-nuclear-weapon States parties to the Treaty, taking the needs of developing countries, in particular, into account.

China

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What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

China has steadily increased financial contributions to IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Fund (TCF), which supports peaceful nuclear projects in developing states. By August 2022, China has become the second-largest donor to the TCF, having contributed a total of nearly $100 million to the fund, with an annual donation of over $10 million since 2020.

China has helped build human capacity in NNWS by receiving more than 4,000 visits from other developing countries for the purposes of personnel training in science and technology areas, and sending over 3,000 Chinese experts to developing countries to provide services as of August 2022.

China has signed inter-governmental agreements on nuclear energy cooperation with more than 30 countries to conduct mutually beneficial cooperation.

China has voiced against restrictions that unfairly limit developing countries’ access to nuclear technology in the UN and IAEA.

China has proposed a resolution on “Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security” which aims to balance states’ rights to access science/tech for peaceful benefits with non-proliferation and urges easier tech transfer while addressing security concerns. The resolution was adopted at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

China has in October 2021 signed an agreement with the IAEA to strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation. Under the agreement, the IAEA is leveraging China’s wealth of institutional experience to assist developing countries’ efforts to achieve the SDGs. The agreement was the first of its kind for the IAEA with a national overseas development agency (CIDCA).

What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

China has continued to support the TCF. By May 2025, China has donated over $120 million to TCF.

China has put China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA)-IAEA-African Union cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear technologies into the outcome document of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024.

China has continued its call for greater assistance to developing countries/Global South regarding the use of nuclear energy.

China has signed key agreements with IAEA to deepen cooperation targeting the Global South, including in sectors like nuclear security, agriculture, healthcare, environment, and basic nuclear scientific research.

China has committed to leveraging China’s nuclear research institutes and universities to train professionals from developing countries, thereby building human-resource capacity in the nuclear field globally.

China has actively supported the IAEA’s “Ray of Hope” initiative, which expands cancer therapy capabilities in Africa using nuclear medicine, by providing various training workshops and scholarships.

Sources

International Atomic Energy Agency. “IAEA and China’s Development Agency Sign Groundbreaking Agreement to Support Developing Countries.” October 15, 2021.

Li, Song. “Statement on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy at the Tenth NPT Review Conference.” August 8, 2022.

Chinese Delegation. “Statement at the Thematic Discussion on Nuclear Weapons at the First Committee of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.” October 16, 2023.

International Atomic Energy Agency. “IAEA DG Grossi in China: Nuclear Energy, Safety and Cooperation.” May 26, 2023.

“核医疗点亮‘希望之光’——国际原子能机构放射治疗物理师培训班正式开班.” September 3, 2024.

“核医疗点亮非洲‘希望之光’.” May 6, 2023.

The Atomic Energy Scholarship Program of China, 2024. February 23, 2024.

“China, IAEA to Deepen Cooperation for Global South’s Development.” April 10, 2025.

People’s Republic of China. “Give Full Play to the Role of the NPT in Promoting Peace and Development in the New Era.” Working paper submitted by China. April 26, 2025.

Chinese Delegation. “Statement on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy at the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 NPT Review Conference.” May 9, 2025.

France

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What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

Previous to 2010, France had signed 19 bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with third countries, including India (non party to the Treaty), and 6 as part of Euratom.

From 2010 to 2022, France signed 5 bilateral additional nuclear cooperation agreements with third countries, all parties to the NPT, as well as 3 as part of Euratom.

France maintains services both in Paris and embassies to promote nuclear cooperation.

What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

France announced new nuclear cooperation agreements with NPT state parties (Netherlands in 2023, Bulgaria and Italy in 2024).

Sources

Accords France / Etats tiers pour l’utilisation de l’énergie nucléaire à des fins pacifiques (24), 22 May 2019, https://www.cte.gouv.fr/Documents/Liste%20des%20accords%20bilat%C3%A9raux%20France.pdf

National Report submitted by France. Report submitted by France under actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Final Document of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (2022–2026). NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2. 7 March 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2026/PC.III/2

EURATOM Technical Committee. Tableau des accords communautaires avec les États tiers concernant l’utilisation pacifique des matières et équipements nucléaires. [Table of Community agreements with third countries on the peaceful use of nuclear materials and equipment] 10 February 2010. https://www.cte.gouv.fr/Documents/Tableau%20des%20accords%20Euratom%20%C3%89tats%20tiers_FR_MC_2023.02.10.pdf

Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. Signature par Bruno Le Maire et Rumen Radev d’une déclaration d’intention pour l’établissement d’une coopération bilatérale dans le domaine de l’énergie nucléaire. [Signing by Bruno Le Maire and Rumen Radev of a declaration of intent to establish bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy] Press Release. 21 February 2024. https://presse.economie.gouv.fr/signature-par-bruno-le-maire-et-rumen-radev-dune-declaration-dintention-pour-letablissement-dune-cooperation-bilaterale-dans-le-domaine-de-lenergie-nucleaire/

Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. La France et les Pays-Bas signent un pacte pour l'innovation et la croissance durable. [France and the Netherlands sign a pact for innovation and sustainable growth] Press Release. 13 April 2023. https://presse.economie.gouv.fr/13042023-la-france-et-les-pays-bas-signent-un-pacte-pour-linnovation-et-la-croissance-durable/

Russia

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What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

Russia is the biggest nuclear power technology provider in the world. Russia exports nuclear fuel, nuclear power reactors, and other nuclear materials and technologies to non-nuclear-weapon states, including developing countries

Russia offers to non-nuclear-weapon states technical assistance, expertise and education on peaceful nuclear energy uses and non-energy applications of nuclear technologies, including in the construction of national centres of nuclear science and technology (CNST), as well as assistance and expertise in areas of public acceptance and personnel training in civilian nuclear industry.

As of the end of the previous Review Cycle Russia was constructing/contracted to construct nuclear power in 12 countries, including Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Hungary, Iran and Türkiye.

In 2007 Russia established the International Uranium Enrichment Center in Angarsk on the basis of agreement between Russia and Kazakhstan.

In 2019, Russia supplied the first and second batches of low-enriched uranium to the IAEA Low-Enriched Uranium Bank in Kazakhstan.

Prior to the current Review Cycle Russia signed agreements and/or memorandums of cooperation with a number of non-nuclear-weapon states that are developing countries, including in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

Russia stated that its portfolio of NPP projects in foreign countries totalled 33 power units of high-capacity nuclear power plants in ten countries as of May 2025.

In the current review cycle Russia was constructing NPPs in the following non-nuclear-weapon states: Bangladesh, Hungary, Egypt, Iran, and Türkiye.

In 2024 Russia signed the world’s first export contract for the construction of a small modular reactor in Uzbekistan.

In 2024 Russia established a BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform designed to develop partnerships with key companies of members of BRICS in the nuclear industry. Russia is working on developing a BRICS nuclear medicine cooperation platform.

In 2025 Russia won a tender to provide conversion and enrichment services for domestically produced uranium in Brazil

In 2025, Rosatom was selected to lead an international consortium for the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant

In 2025 Rosatom signed a memorandum of understanding On Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with ASEAN Centre For Energy

In 2025 Russia reported that it has established Obninsk global centre for international nuclear training. Rosatom’s Technical Academy has trained over 2,500 professionals from 95 countries. In addition, over 5,000 members of operational staff for the nuclear power plants that Russia is building abroad have been trained.

In the current Review Cycle Russia signed new or additional agreements and/or memorandums of cooperation with a number of non-nuclear-weapon states, including:

  • 9 countries in Latin America (Bolivia, Brazil, Nicaragua, Mexico)
  • 9 countries in Africa (Egypt, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ethiopia, Mali, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Guinea)
  • 2 countries in South Asia (Vietnam, Myanmar)

As well as Syria, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia

Sources

Mycle Schneider et. al. “World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2025”, 26 November 2025. https://www.worldnuclearreport.org/World-Nuclear-Industry-Status-Report-2025-HTML-version

‘History of cooperation’, Rosatom, accessed 5 January 2026. https://www.rosatomafrica.com/en/rosatom-in-country/history-of-cooperation/

Rosatom. Key Operating Results of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom 2023 (Moscow), 2024. https://www.report.rosatom.ru/go_eng/go_rosatom_eng_2023/rosatom_key_2023_eng.pdf

Rosatom. Key Operating Results of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom 2024 (Moscow), 2025. https://www.report.rosatom.ru/go_eng/go_rosatom_eng_2024/rosatom_key_2024_eng.pdf

National report of the Russian Federation, 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (New York), 19 March 2021. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/17/Rev.1

Statement by the Russian Federation. Cluster III: Peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 2025 Preparatory Committee for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (New York), 2 May 2025.

Statement by the Russian Federation. Cluster III: Peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 2024 Preparatory Committee for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (Geneva), 29 July 2024

Statement by the Russian Federation. Cluster III: Peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 2023 Preparatory Committee for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (Vienna), 8 August 2023

United Kingdom

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What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

The UK’s Export Control Act 2002 and Export Control Order 2008 provide an updated legal framework for the UK to restrict exports that could be used for nuclear weapons, including dual-use items and related technology. Exporters must obtain a license from the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) for any controlled export. The UK uses its export control legislation to implement the guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and fulfill its NPT obligation to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The effect is that non-NPT states without comprehensive safeguards (India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea) are ineligible for UK nuclear exports. This constitutes a structural mechanism to ensure ‘preferential treatment’ for NPT parties.

India is an exception following the 2008 statement on civil nuclear co-operation with India by the NSG. This provides an exception from the NSG guidelines for exports to civil nuclear facilities in India that are safeguarded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The UK subsequently reviewed its policy towards nuclear-related exports to India. In 2010, the UK and India signed a Civil Nuclear Co-operation Declaration. The licensing policy to India was reviewed in 2010 in the Written Ministerial Statement by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Alistair Burt. This resulted in the 2017 UK/India: Agreement for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

In addition, the UK and Pakistan, which is not a member of the NPT, regularly discuss the peaceful uses of nuclear technology during their bilateral Dialogue on Arms Control, Non-Proliferation, and Disarmament. These dialogues allow both countries to exchange views on the topic, but they are not part of a civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation.

The UK currently has a Nuclear Cooperation Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation with Australia, Canada, China, Czechia, Euratom, Finland, India, Japan, Jordan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Russia, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, and the US.

What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

The UK has continued its current practice and signed a number of Nuclear Cooperation Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding on civil nuclear cooperation since leaving the European Union and Euratom over the current NPT review cycle, but none with developing countries.

Sources

Alistair Burt. Ministerial Statement. UK Civil Nuclear Trade Policy (India). House of Commons. 29 November 2010. https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2010-11-29/debates/1011294000012/UKCivilNuclearTradePolicy%28India%29

Communication dated 10 September 2008 received from the Permanent Mission of Germany to the Agency regarding a ‘Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India’. INFCIRC/734 (IAEA, Vienna). 18 September 2008. https://www.iaea.org/publications/documents/infcircs/communication-dated-10-september-2008-received-permanent-mission-germany-agency-regarding-statement-civil-nuclear-cooperation-india

UK/India: Agreement for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. TS No.1/2017 (Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London). 12 January 2017. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ts-no12017-ukindia-agreement-for-co-operation-in-the-peaceful-uses-of-nuclear-energy

Louisa Brooke-Holland. An introduction to UK arms exports (House of Commons LIbrary, London). 24 January 2024. https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8312/CBP-8312.pdf

Department for Energy and Net Zero and the Office for Nuclear Regulation. Importing and exporting nuclear-related items and the role of Nuclear Cooperation Agreements between the United Kingdom and international partners. 2024https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65d31e920f4eb1f5bba98118/nuclear-cooperation-agreements-guidance.pdf

United States

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What has the NWS done so far (prior to the current Review Cycle)?

Between the 2010 and 2020 NPT Review Conferences, under the auspices of the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) the United States made several notable financial and diplomatic contributions to expand access to peaceful uses of nuclear energy to States parties. Several of these contributions were specifically aimed to address the needs of non-nuclear weapon states and developing countries, including:

The establishment of the American Assured Fuel Supply to function as a backup fuel supply for U.S. domestic or international partners;

The contribution of nearly $50 million to the establishment and operationalization in 2019 of the IAEA’s Low Enriched Uranium Bank;

The reallocation of €10 million to activities under the Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy and technical cooperation projects managed by the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology and the Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean;

The signing of five Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding with Bulgaria, Ghana, Poland, Romania, and Slovenia to boost nuclear cooperation and support between the United States’ and these countries’ nuclear sectors.

The collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and their counterparts in more than 100 countries––including many low- and medium-income countries––to promote regulation, oversight, and accessibility of peaceful uses projects.

What is the NWS doing on this action in the current Review Cycle?

At the NPT Review Conference in 2022, the United States, in partnership with the United Kingdom and with the political support of 29 other countries, launched the Sustained Dialogue on Peaceful Uses (SDPU). The SPDU is particularly focused on how the peaceful uses of nuclear energy can help further progress on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly for those who are economically and socially vulnerable. The scope of the SPDU was shaped by subject matter experts and practitioners from the Global South and has spawned projects supporting water security in the MENA region; access to nuclear medicine in West Africa; sustainable financing to improve women’s health outcomes; food security in the context of climate change; and several others.

Under the auspices of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Program, the United States has provided more than $20 million in voluntary contributions to the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, which aims to provide cancer care to regions that lack sufficient funding or facilities for radiation treatment. The United States has also supported the IAEA’s flagship Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution initiative using irradiation to develop new recycling techniques, as well as Atoms4Food, which supports food security efforts through nuclear science.

Sources

United States of America. "Actions 5, 20 and 21 of the Action Plan of the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: Report Submitted by the United States of America." NPT/CONF.2020/47. Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, United Nations, New York, August 1–26, 2022. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/47.

Albania, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ghana, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Norway, Paraguay, Romania, Republic of Korea, Senegal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States. "Facilitating Dialogue to Support Enhanced Peaceful Uses Cooperation as Envisioned under Article IV of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons." Working Paper NPT/CONF.2020/WP.46/Rev.2. Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. United Nations, 2022. https://docs.un.org/en/NPT/CONF.2020/WP.46/Rev.2.

U.S. Department of State. "Year One: Building a Sustained Dialogue on Peaceful Uses for the NPT and a Brighter Future." Accessed October 24, 2025. https://2021-2025.state.gov/year-one-building-a-sustained-dialogue-on-peaceful-uses-for-the-npt-and-a-brighter-future/.

U.S. Department of State. "The United States Contributes Up to $4 Million in Funding to the International Atomic Energy Agency to Support the Rays of Hope Initiative." December 14, 2022. https://2021-2025.state.gov/the-united-states-contributes-up-to-4-million-in-funding-to-the-international-atomic-energy-agency-to-support-the-rays-of-hope-initiative/.

International Atomic Energy Agency. Technical Cooperation Report for 2024. GC(69)/INF/6. 69th Regular Session of the General Conference. Vienna: IAEA, 2025. https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/gc/gc69-inf6.pdf