U.S., China initiate anti-smuggling program for nuclear materials

U.S., China initiate anti-smuggling program for nuclear materials    The United States and China signed an agreement to help prevent the smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive materials.
   Under the agreement, both countries will work together to install special equipment at ports in China to detect hidden shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials.
   The effort is part of the Megaports Initiative, a nonproliferation program of the U.S. Energy Department's National Nuclear Security Administration that works with other countries to enhance their capability to interdict illicit nuclear material in ocean shipments. Congress authorized the program in 2000.
   This is the twelfth cooperative agreement and joins efforts currently underway in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Belgium, and Spain. The Energy Department said other countries in Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean are in 'active discussions' to participate in the Megaports Initiative.