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Chinese involvement in UK nuclear new build has come a step closer following an announcement by EDF of a long-term cooperation deal.

The French-owned utility company, whose Hinkley Point C proposals are the most advanced for UK new nuclear, formalised ties with the Chinese on Thursday.

EDF has entered a tripartite agreement with China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding (CGN) and French nuclear engineering firm Areva to foster “deeper industrial and commercial cooperation”.

In the near term, the three are to work together on the building of two reactors in Taishan and improving safety, maintenance and performance of CGN’s existing reactors.

They will also “consider cooperation in future international projects”. CGN has long been rumoured to be first in line to invest in Hinkley Point C if it goes ahead.

Henry Proglio, chief executive of EDF, said the agreement “will benefit the whole nuclear sector in France”.

At the same time, EDF announced a deal with electricity generation company the China Datang Corporation to co-develop thermal power stations in China and the world.