Mr. Chairman,

First of all, please allow me to congratulate you on your election to the chairmanship of the Open-ended Working Group on an international instrument for the identification and tracing of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW). I am convinced that your rich experience and outstanding diplomatic skills will guide us on a smooth journey.

Mr. Chairman,

The illicit trade in and excessive accumulation of SALW aggravates conflicts and disturbances in countries and regions concerned, impedes post-conflict reconstruction efforts and fuels terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling and other forms of organized crimes. Combating and eradicating such trade facilitates the settlement of intra and inter-state conflicts, contributes to regional peace and stability, and conforms to the common interests of all nations.

Over the years, the international community has made significant achievements through unremitting efforts in the fight against the illicit trade in SALW. In March 2001, the Ad Hoc Committee of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime successfully concluded the Firearms Protocol. From the viewpoint of preventing and combating crimes, the Firearms Protocol has made stipulations on marking and record keeping in relation to identifying and tracing illicit SALW. In July 2001, the UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects adopted the Program of Action (PoA) by consensus, putting forward practical measures at national, regional and global levels. The conclusion of the Firearms Protocol and the adoption of the PoA have provided legal and policy framework for addressing the problem of SALW, thereby opening up a new international process to combat the illicit trade in SALW. In June 2003, the UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on tracing illicit SALW adopted its report, drawing up the common minimum standards with respect to marking, record keeping and cooperation in tracing. The outcome of the GGE lays a solid foundation for the negotiation of an international instrument for the identification and tracing of illicit SALW.

Mr. Chairman,

China has all along attached great importance to and actively engaged in the international efforts in fighting and eradicating the illicit trade in SALW. China played an active and constructive role in the negotiation of the Firearms Protocol and 2001 UN Conference and made significant contributions to the conclusion of the Firearms Protocol and the adoption of the PoA.

China signed the Firearms Protocol on 9 December 2002 as its 46th signatory state. The signing of the Firearms Protocol demonstrates once again China's firm resolve to the international cooperation in the fight against the illicit trade in SALW. China is making preparations for the ratification and implementation of the Protocol. In this connection, we are considering building a nationwide database on the manufacturing, holding and trade of SALW and improving China's marking system.

China has taken concrete steps to implement the PoA and submitted its national report to the UN in 2003. China has taken an active part in the work of the UN GGE on SALW. From 2002 on, the Chinese governmental expert participated in the work of the UN GGE on tracing illicit SALW and played an active role in the adoption of its report.

Mr. Chairman,

How to effectively identify and trace illicit SALW has been an important issue of the international community in the course of the combat against the illicit trade in SALW. To seek a comprehensive and equitable solution, efforts should be made in three aspects, namely, marking, record keeping and cooperation in tracing. Through thorough and in-depth discussions, the UN Panel on tracing illicit SALW has reached common understanding over these issues. China maintains that the report of the Panel is an objective and balanced one and should serve as the basis for our negotiation.

China supports negotiation of an international instrument for identifying and tracing SALW. It should be emphasized that the international instrument should be consistent with States' existing commitments under relevant international instruments. On the basis of the report of the GGE, further discussions are needed with respect to whether or not the new international instrument shall be legally binding. Our preliminary view is that to a large extent, it depends on whether the provisions of the new instrument are reasonable, feasible, and universally acceptable.

Mr. Chairman,

To trace the illicit circulation of SALW by way of marking is an important means in the fight against illicit SALW. As a sole and legitimate identity, marking should be unique and convenient for use. As far as tracing illicit SALW is concerned, the purpose of marking is, first and foremost, to identify the country of manufacture. On top of that, the national authorities can continue the tracing process. As long as this purpose is served, marking will be perfectly sufficient. As regards the specific form of marking, each country shall decide its own course of action according to its national practice. Currently, it is neither necessary nor feasible to establish a globally uniformed marking system.

Record keeping of the manufacturing and transfer of SALW constitutes an important part of the combat against the illicit trade in SALW. To establish and maintain accurate and comprehensive record on manufacturing, holding and import and export of SALW has an important bearing on tracing the illicit SALW in a timely and effective fashion.

Close international cooperation is indispensable for identifying and tracing illicit SALW effectively. China believes that to realize the objective of combating illicit trade in SALW, countries could, on voluntary basis, exchange appropriate, reasonable and necessary information on the manufacture and trade of SALW. However, the prerequisite of doing so is not to undermine their national security. Before the discussion and formulation of concrete measures relating to information exchange and transparency arrangements, we need to clarify what kinds of information are indispensable for international cooperation in the fight against illicit trade in SALW.

Mr. Chairman,

In the coming two weeks, we will have an in-depth exchange of views on issues concerning identifying and tracing illicit SALW. The Chinese delegation will take an active part in the discussion and extensively elicit views from other delegations. We are prepared to work with all parties for the success of the meeting.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.