China has urged the UN’s nuclear watchdog to help developing nations to build safer power stations. Deputy UN envoy Wang Min also said the International Atomic Energy Agency needed to use its position to boost international co-operation.

He said Japan’s Fukushima accident had put the industry in a new situation. China is the world’s biggest builder of power stations, and officials have hinted that they would like to expand their building plans overseas.

The country has already built nuclear facilities in Pakistan, and earlier this year had suggested more countries could be interested. Analysts believe Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia would be keen to take up Chinese offers of nuclear help.