On December 9 to 10, 2020, the 16th Asia Senior-level Talks on Non-proliferation was held via video link. High-level officials from the host country Japan and other 20 countries, including China, ROK, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, France and India, attended the meeting and had in-depth discussions on the current international non-proliferation situation, regional hotspot issues on non-proliferation, capacity building for non-proliferation export control and international cooperation. Director-General of the Department of Arms Control of the Foreign Ministry Fu Cong attend the meeting upon invitation and delivered a keynote speech.

Fu Cong pointed out that the risk of WMD proliferation presents a common security challenge for the entire international community. The global security situation is facing grave challenges, and the international non-proliferation regime has been severely eroded by unilateralism and bullying. Certain countries seek absolute security by withdrawing from international treaties and organizations, substituting extreme pressure and unilateral sanctions for dialogues and consultation, and dividing the world along the lines of ideology to promote scientific decoupling. Facts have proven these acts lead to nowhere and should be rejected by the international community.

Fu Cong said to get the international non-proliferation process back on track, countries should adhere to multilateralism, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect the sovereignty, security and development interests of all countries, and resolve non-proliferation issues through dialogue and consultation. Countries should firmly uphold the existing non-proliferation regime and ensure the comprehensive, balanced and effective implementation of obligations under relevant treaties and agreements.

Fu Cong stressed that it is the legitimate right of all countries to benefit from advancement of science and technology. Non-proliferation should not hamper international cooperation in materials, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes. This is a principle that has been affirmed time and again by treaties and relevant UNGA and Security Council resolutions. This is also a call that has been consistently made by the developing countries over the past decades. We also need to make multilateral export control arrangements more inclusive and less discriminatory.

Fu Cong pointed out that due consideration should be given to the specific conditions and realities of each individual country, especially developing countries, most of which suffer from weak non-proliferation institutions, legislations and technical expertise. Closer and more tailored international cooperation is needed for capacity building assistance to developing countries. The UNSC 1540 Committee and other relevant organizations can play a bigger role in providing match-making services between countries.

Fu Cong stressed that China will continue to adhere to the concept of building a community with a shard future for mankind, and actively participate in international non-proliferation efforts. China is ready to enhance non-proliferation policy exchanges and cooperation with all countries, including the US, in a spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. China is also ready to engage in dialogues and develop ties with the multilateral export control regimes on the basis of balanced rights and obligations. Fu Cong also introduced the contents related to non-proliferation in the Export Control Law (ECL) of the People's Republic of China from the perspectives of elevating the level of legislation, harmonizing China's export control regulatory regime and reinforcing export control supervision and management.