The Chinese Government fully understands the humanitarian concerns caused by illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW), and attaches great importance to combating illicit trade in SALW. The Chinese Government has taken concrete measures in implementing the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects (PoA) and the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, and has been actively participating in relevant international efforts.

China believes that comprehensive and effective implementation of the PoA and other existing international instruments, enhancement of capacity-building and constant advancement of the multilateral process in combating illicit trade in SALW are of great significance to safeguarding regional stability, promoting economic development. In 2011, China participated in the Open-ended Meeting of Governmental Experts of PoA in a constructive manner and made contributions to the success of the meeting. China is ready to enhance communication and cooperation with all parties in an effort to eradicate the illicit trade in SALW at an early date.