(27th April, 2018 Geneva)

Mr. Chairman,

The proliferation of nuclear weapon has a direct bearing on global and regional peace and stability, as well as the well-being of all people. Strengthening the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and rooting out nuclear proliferation risks are elements inherent in efforts to preserve the NPT, and serve the common interest of the international community.

China believes that the root causes of nuclear proliferation are complex and that both causes and symptoms of nuclear proliferation should be addressed through an integrated approach. Efforts for nuclear non-proliferation should be strengthened in the framework of global nuclear governance.

Firstly, to build up a peaceful and stable international security environment. States Parties should strive to build a community of shared future for mankind, uphold a new concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and establish a new type of international relations characterized by mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation. States Parties should discard zero-sum thinking and cold-war mindset, and fully respect and accommodate the legitimate security concern of each country, create a security pattern of fairness, justice, joint contribution and shared benefits, so as to achieve the universal security and clear up root causes of nuclear proliferation.

Secondly, to stick to the peaceful settlement for proliferation issues via political and diplomatic endeavor. States Parties should adhere to dialogue and negotiation within the framework of existing international laws to address concerns, and refrain from easily putting pressure by sanctions or threatening the use of forces.

Thirdly, to enhance the authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. States Parties should discard double standards and pragmatism, implement NPT obligations in a comprehensive, faithful and balanced manner. States Parties should avoid setting non-proliferation standards according to the love or dislike sentiment with others. States Parties should uphold multilateralism and continuously reinforce the fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory nature of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, on the basis of universal participation and democratic decision-making.

Fourthly, to improve the universality of the NPT. States that have not yet joined the Treaty should do so as non-nuclear-weapon States as soon as possible and place all of their nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in accordance with Treaty provisions. The role of the United Nations and other relevant international organizations and mechanisms should be fully utilized. Earnest efforts should also be made to promote the universality of the IAEA comprehensive safeguards agreements and additional protocols. States Parties should support the Zangger Committee and the Nuclear Suppliers Group to play their roles, rather than jeopardize their statues and non-proliferation efforts.

Fifthly, to handle the relationship between nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy in a fair and balanced manner. Preventing nuclear proliferation and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy are not collided with each other, but are mutually reinforcing. Any measures taken to prevent nuclear proliferation should not undermine the legitimate rights of states to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Meanwhile, all proliferation activities carried out under the pretext of peaceful uses should be prohibited.

Mr. Chairman,

China remains committed to strengthening the authority, universality and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime based on the Treaty. China firmly opposes any forms of nuclear proliferation, fulfills its international non-proliferation obligations in a serious and comprehensive manner and implement relevant United Nation Security Council Resolutions. In recent years, China has worked in a relentless way to strengthen and improve its national non-proliferation system in areas such as mechanism building, law making and enforcement capacity enhancing and international cooperation, as to ensure effective implementation of non-proliferation policies.

Mr. Chairman,

As the permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible stakeholder, China actively takes part in the international cooperation on nonproliferation, and has made unremitting endeavor in promoting political and diplomatic resolution of hot-spot nuclear proliferation issues.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue concluded by E3/EU+3 and Iran in July 2015 has defused the Iranian nuclear crisis, consolidated the international non-proliferation regime with the NPT as its cornerstone. The JCPOA is an important outcome of international security governance and also a beneficial practice of solving hot-spot issues through political and diplomatic means. During its implementation over the past two years, the JCPOA has got broad support from the international community, while the uncertainty in its prospects has also created concerns.

As a party of the E3/EU+3, China has always firmly supported the JCPOA, committed itself to preserving the integrity and seriousness of the JCPOA, and made active contributions to its implementation. It is our hope that the relevant parties would proceed from the overall situation with a long-term perspective, be steadfast in political will, and continue with comprehensive and effective implementation of the JCPOA, while appropriately managing differences and keeping the JCPOA implementation free from interference from other issues.

With regards to the the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, it is China’s firm position to achieve denuclearization of the Peninsula, maintain peace and stability on the Peninsula and seek a solution through dialogue and consultation. China supports and comprehensively and strictly implements the resolutions of the Security Council, and earnestly fulfills its due international obligations. At the same time, China always advocates that dialogue and consultation are the only effective ways to the final settlement.

Recently, positive changes have emerged on the Korean Peninsula, and important steps have been taken towards the direction of political settlement. China hopes all parties involved could seize the opportunity and move in the same direction. They should follow the “dual-track approach” by promoting the denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism in the Peninsula simultaneously, in order to forge a future featuring lasting peace and stability.

The Chinese delegation has submitted a working paper on nuclear issues, which elaborates China's relevant positions. We hope the elements contained therein will be reflected in the report of this PrepCom.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.