A landmark is reached at one of the world's most advanced engineering projects. A Chinese team took center stage, when the base section for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor was lifted into place in France. [Photo/CNNC]

A landmark was reached during the construction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in southern France, also known as the ITER -- in which a Chinese team took center stage -- after a key component called the cryostat base that weighs 1,250 metric tons was lifted into place on May 28.

Chinese experts said its successful installation will pave the way for the core equipment installation of the ITER, which 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.

Units of China National Nuclear Corporation, or CNNC, are participating in the key installation for the project.

Their main job is to install the structure of the base section and all the systems between the base and the vacuum container -- with the lifting and installation of the base marking the first important engineering stage.

Experts said that the section provides the base for the pressure vessel of the nuclear facility's tokamak device, playing a crucial role as a safety barrier.

The base section for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor is installed on May 28 in France. [Photo/CNNC]

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