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Statement by Chinese Delegation at the Third Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 NPT Review Conference on Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Nuclear Issues in the Middle East

2019-05-06 16:18

Mr. Chair,

The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones, as a key step toward a nuclear-weapon-free world, is of great significance in achieving goals of nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, as well as promoting global and regional peace and security. The international community should continue to respect and support the efforts of non-nuclear-weapon States in establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones in light of specific situations of respective regions and on the basis of consultations among themselves and voluntary agreements. The nuclear-weapon States should respect the legal status of nuclear-weapon-free zones, sign and ratify protocols to treaties on nuclear-weapon-free zones, and take concrete measures to implement the security assurances stipulated in relevant protocols. Meanwhile, the nuclear-weapon States should effectively assume special responsibilities, to undertake unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones, and conclude an international legal instrument to this end.

Mr. Chair,

China has all along committed itself to promoting the global nuclear governance, and supporting international efforts on establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones. China is the sole nuclear-weapon State which undertakes unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China has signed and ratified all protocols to treaties on nuclear-weapon-free Zones which are open for signature, and has faithfully fulfilled relevant obligations.

China has resolved all pending issues with the ASEAN member countries with the relevant Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone. The P5 and the ASEAN countries have reached agreement on the text of the Protocol. In the P5 Beijing Conference in January, the P5 agreed that China, on behalf of the P5, would communicate with the ASEAN member countries, aiming at restarting the negotiation progress between the P5 and the ASEAN member countries with a view to signing the Protocol at an early date, on the basis of adhering to the established consensus. China will continue to to stay in communication and coordination with all relevant parties.

Regarding the Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia and Mongolia's nuclear-weapon-free status, China will continue to fulfil its obligations and commitments.

Mr. Chair,

China firmly supports establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, fully understands the legitimate appeal and concerns of Arabic countries. In this regard, China voted in favor of the Decision on Convening a Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction of the 73th Session of the UN General Assembly. All relevant parties are called upon to strengthen diplomatic coordination and support efforts of the UNSecretariat to facilitate the convening of the Conference and strive for progress on the establishment of this Zone, thus contributing to peace and stability in the Middle East. Particular efforts should be made by the Depository States of the NPT to this end.

Meanwhile, Israel should accede to the NPT as non-nuclear-weapon State as soon as possible. China calls upon states concerned in the Middle East to sign and ratify Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements with the IAEA. The international community should continue to encourage states concerned in the region to sign and ratify the Additional Protocols.

The Chinese Delegation has submitted a working paper on nuclear-weapon-free zones and nuclear issues in the Middle East, and we hope that elements contained therein will be duly reflected in the report of the Preparatory Committee.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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