Shanghai equipped with anti-nuclear-smuggling system

The US and China launched a new radiation detection system at a Shanghai port in an effort to combat the smuggling of nuclear materials, Reuters reported. The equipment was installed at Yangshan and aims to detect radioactive material that could be used to make weapons. “This port demonstrates in a real, significant, symbolic way as well, the commitment of the Chinese government to detecting nuclear material and combating nuclear terrorism,” said Thomas D’Agostino, administrator of the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The Megaports Initiative seeks to install similar equipment in 100 ports globally that will scan about 50% of all shipping traffic by 2018. Shanghai is the 34th city to join the initiative, and last year became the world’s busiest container port.