Chinese monitoring stations now sending data

Vienna, Austria – As of 1 January, the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) has started receiving data from key International Monitoring System (IMS) stations hosted by China.

CTBTO Executive Secretary Lassina Zerbo welcomed the step: “The Chinese stations’ data significantly enhances our system’s global coverage. And it is more than that: China has demonstrated its dedication to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and its verification regime. I encourage other countries with unresolved issues regarding our stations to follow China’s leadership.”

The development follows a visit by Zerbo to China in August 2013, days after having taken office, as well as technical trainingfor Chinese station managers in September 2013.

“This is an important step towards certification, the formal acceptance of these stations in our system,” explained Randy Bell, Director of the International Data Centre. “In addition to enhancing the detection of nuclear explosions, the flow of data should also benefit China’s capabilities in the field of disaster mitigation and scientific research.” (Read full Press Release here) [source: Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) ]