A
new arrangement for uranium exports from Canada to China raises some
interesting questions. The two countries already have a nuclear
cooperation agreement that dates back to 1994, so the new deal didn’t
receive much international attention. However, it’s noteworthy that this
agreement considerably relaxes the accountability rules for China’s use
of Canadian uranium.
The new deal relies on general assurances that all Canadian uranium will
be used for appropriate civilian purposes, despite the fact that Canada
usually requires more detailed accounting for its uranium. Indeed,
Canada severely criticized Australia when Canberra made a similar deal
with China in 2008. But, it’s a sign of hard pressed economic times that
Canada’s nuclear industry could convince the government to relax its
accountability rules for China.
Canada’s nuclear cooperation agreement with China is indicative of the
fact that the country is adopting a more pragmatic approach to nuclear
sales than was possible under its ...
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