Mr. President,

The Chinese Delegation welcomes this Security Council open debate on non-proliferation, which, we believe, will undoubtedly help improve the draft resolution currently considered by the Council. We have all along supported holding such debate at an early date.

To prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery is conducive to the preservation of international peace and security, and is in the common interests of the international community. For years, UN member states have made important efforts in this regard. In the new international security environment, it is pivotal to strengthen international cooperation, develop and improve the existing international non-proliferation regime, so as to effectively respond to the threat of terrorism.

Mr. President,

China opposes the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery, and has taken an active part in international non-proliferation efforts. Meanwhile, China has always stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all kinds of WMD. The fundamental purpose of non-proliferation is to maintain and promote international and regional peace, stability and security. The proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery has complicated causes; it has everything to do with international and regional security environment. To pursue the universal improvement of international relations and to accelerate fair and rational settlement of the security issues of regions concerned will help realize the goal of non-proliferation. At the same time, the role of the existing international non-proliferation mechanism should be brought into full play, and proliferation issues should be solved through dialogues and international cooperation. To effectively push forward non-proliferation efforts, it is necessary to guarantee the legitimate rights of all countries, especially the developing countries, to utilize and share dual-use scientific and technological achievements and products for peaceful purposes.

Mr. President,

China supports the United Nations in playing its due role in non-proliferation. We are in favor of adopting a Security Council resolution on the basis of broad consultations. The Chinese Delegation has taken an active part in the consultations on the draft resolution in a serious and responsible manner. China's proposals have been reflected in the current draft, and the reference to 'interdiction' has been deleted at the request of China. The Chinese Delegation is of the view that the current draft is an effort to enhance and consolidate international cooperation on the basis of existing international law to deal with illicit trafficking of WMD, their means of delivery, and related materials by non-state actors so as to prevent the further proliferation of WMD.

Mr. President,

Non-proliferation is closely related to the interests of all countries, and requires common efforts of all members of the international community. To obtain understanding and support of the overwhelming majority of the international community, it is essential to ensure a fair, rational and non-discriminatory non-proliferation regime. Both the improvement of the existing regime and the establishment of a new regime should be based on the universal participation of all countries and on their decisions made through a democratic process. It is therefore our consistent position that on the above-mentioned draft resolution, the opinions of all Security Council members and the majority of UN members should be fully heeded and their reasonable proposals and suggestions accepted. This is highly important for deeper international common understanding and faster international non-proliferation process.

We are glad to see that the co-sponsors have made certain amendments to the draft based on the previous discussions at the Council. It is my belief and hope that, through today's session, the Council will draw on our collective wisdom to further improve the current text, and then adopt a more comprehensive and balanced resolution by consensus.

Thank you, Mr. President.