U.S. – China Collaboration to Standup Destructive Analysis Laboratories and Training Modules for the Center of Excellence to Enhance East Asia Regional Nuclear Security

In March of 2016, a grand opening ceremony was held in Beijing, China to mark the beginning of operations for the Center of Excellence (COE) for Nuclear Security. This event was a major milestone for both the United States and China to promote and advance nuclear security technologies and best practices in the East Asia region. The COE facilities and laboratories include advanced instrumentation for nuclear material analysis, a simulated nuclear facility (Mock Facility) for material control and accountancy, nuclear security equipment testing, response force training, as well as, classrooms and meeting spaces for instruction and international exchange. The presentation will provide details into Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) role standing up the destructive analysis laboratories and Mock Facility. Also, discussed will be the collaborations in progress with the Chinese counterparts to develop integrated physical protection and material control and accounting domestic and regional training courses using the center’s latest measurement techniques for destructive analysis and the international standards for physical and administrative requirements practiced throughout the world for nuclear material control and accountancy. An overview of the center and its facilities will also be presented.