Belgium, China to cooperate in nuclear energy

"Li said the two countries could boost cooperation in technology and innovation and expand nuclear cooperation on the basis of abiding by international laws and meeting international obligations," China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. "The two countries can deepen practical cooperation in infrastructure development and the digital economy while actively exploring third-party market cooperation."

Li said China will continue to develop clean energy, for which nuclear energy is an important pillar.

Mainland China has about 45 nuclear power reactors in operation, about 15 under construction, and more set to start construction. The government's long-term target, as outlined in its Energy Development Strategy Action Plan 2014-2020, is for 58 GWe of nuclear generating capacity by 2020, with 30 GWe more under construction.

Belgium has seven reactors generating about half of its electricity. However, the country currently plans to shut down its seven operating nuclear reactors by 2025.