Chinese president offers proposals to enhance global nuclear security, meets German chancellor

WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao Tuesday delivered a speech at a nuclear security summit in Washington, offering five proposals to boost global nuclear security.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (4th R,front) poses for a group photo with other world  leaders during the Nuclear Security Summit at the Washington Convention Center in  Washington,April 13, 2010. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Hu also held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the summit, which wound up late Tuesday.

In his speech made at the summit, President Hu called for concerted action by all countries to enhance nuclear security while stressing the need to properly address the challenge.

Hu said "The potential threat of nuclear terrorism cannot be neglected and the risk of nuclear material diversion and illicit trafficking is on the rise."

Hu put forward five proposals on ways to strengthen nuclear security in the world.

First, Hu said, all countries need to honor their commitments and responsibilities by adopting effective measures to secure nuclear materials and facilities.

Second, the Chinese top leader said, all countries should consolidate the existing international legal framework on nuclear security, which consists of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, He said.