The commencement ceremony for the official start of the assembly of the ITER is held in France on July 28. [Photo/CNNC]

The assembly of a massive global scientific and engineering project called the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor -- also known as the ITER -- officially started on July 28 in southern France, with attendance of leaders from the European Union, China, France and other countries.

The ITER is an experimental nuclear fusion reactor and the world's biggest scientific engineering project, after the International Space Station. Its construction in France is a massive, groundbreaking project, involving the collaboration of 35 nations, including China.

Lin Zuhuang, a senior member of staff from China National Nuclear Corporation, or CNNC -- involved in the construction of the ITER -- also participated in the ceremony as a representative.

Described as an "Artificial Sun", the ITER program is the world's largest nuclear fusion device and experts say it is one of the largest and most important international scientific research projects in the world. China officially joined the program in 2006.

Units of CNNC are participating in a key installation for the project. During the novel coronavirus outbreak, CNNC provided a great deal of support for epidemic prevention and control measures to the ITER organization and donated medical supplies.

During the commencement ceremony, CNNC representatives said that their company had total confidence that it would complete its tasks with a high quality and contribute Chinese wisdom to the progress of the program.

CNNC officials said that currently a total of 51 staff members from CNNC units are participating in the program in France, who are responsible for the core equipment installation for the program.

In May this year, the CNNC team successfully installed a key component called the cryostat base that weighs 1,250 metric tons, paving the way for installation of the core equipment of the ITER, according to officials.

A bird's-eye view of the ITER megaproject in France. [Photo/CNNC]