China is calling for stronger international cooperation to take nuclear fusion from research labs toward practical engineering applications. The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has invited global fusion researchers and institutions to work together on technology, engineering, testing and talent development.
The proposal was presented at a CNNC side event held during the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in September 2026. According to Global Times, the event focused on the role of engineering in turning fusion energy research into systems that could eventually have practical uses.
At the event, CNNC proposed creating a new international cooperation platform focused on fusion engineering. The organization said fusion is a global challenge and that cooperation is needed to solve the difficult engineering problems involved.
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The event brought together officials and experts from the IAEA, ITER Organization and nuclear research institutions from several countries. Participants included representatives from Kazakhstan, Thailand and Spain, along with Chinese nuclear energy officials.
Global Times reported that international participants recognized China’s recent progress in fusion research, engineering technology and international cooperation. They also agreed that research, technology development, engineering testing and industrial work need to be connected more closely.
CNNC also shared an update on the HL-3 fusion device and its joint experimental program. The organization opened applications for international partners that want to take part in experiments using the program.
HL-3 is a major fusion research facility in China. Such devices are used to study how extremely hot plasma can be controlled and maintained for fusion research.
CNNC also presented progress on a fusion energy research and training collaboration center. The organization introduced plans for a proposed “world fusion engineering alliance” and highlighted the existing Controlled Fusion Innovation Consortium.
The event also included new international cooperation agreements. China Fusion Energy Co Ltd and ITER signed a memorandum of cooperation covering areas related to fusion research and engineering.
CNNC’s Southwestern Institute of Physics also signed a separate memorandum with the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology. The agreements are expected to support research, engineering technology and international exchanges.
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According to Global Times, CNNC said it is ready to work with international partners on key technology development, engineering practice and talent training.
Fusion energy is being researched as a possible future source of energy. The process aims to produce energy by combining light atomic nuclei under extremely high temperatures and pressure.
However, achieving fusion in an experiment is only one part of the challenge. Building equipment that can operate reliably, handle extreme conditions and eventually produce useful amounts of electricity requires major engineering work.
CNNC described engineering as the bridge between scientific research and future applications. The scale of this work means countries and institutions may need to share knowledge, facilities, resources and technical experience.
China has included hydrogen energy and nuclear fusion energy among future industries in its 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026–2030. Its Atomic Energy Law also supports research and technological development in nuclear fusion.
China has worked with the IAEA on fusion-related activities and has opened several nuclear research facilities to international partners. These efforts are part of a wider push to increase international cooperation in fusion research.
The major challenge remains the transition from physics experiments to practical engineering systems. More testing, technology development, international standards and cooperation will be needed before fusion energy can become a widely used power source.
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