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Statement of the Chinese Delegation at the Thematic Discussion on Disarmament Machinery at the First Committee of the 74th Session of the UNGA

2019-10-31 06:42

Mr. Chairman,

Since the SSOD-I, the multilateral disarmament mechanisms, such as the UNGA First Committee, the Conference on Disarmament, and the Disarmament Commission, have played an indispensable role in maintaining international security, facilitating arms control and promoting disarmament process. Currently, the international security landscape has been undergoing complex and profound changes. Certain countries have gone to great lengthens to promote unilateralism and undermine the current system of international arms control treaties in an attempt to take the international arms control and disarmament back to the Cold War period. The authority of the traditional multilateral disarmament machinery is facing serious challenges, with their effectiveness undermined.

We believe that the multilateral disarmament mechanisms, under the UN framework, are an embodiment of the commitment to multilateralism by UN Member States. They serve as important platforms for discussing international security issues, promoting the international arms control, and engaging in global security governance on an equal footing. In light of the complex international security landscape, we must strengthen the role of these mechanisms.

Firstly, the authority of multilateral disarmament mechanisms should be firmly upheld. The successful adoption of important arms control instruments, including the Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, fully testifies to the effectiveness and viability of multilateral disarmament mechanisms. The mechanisms per se and their rules of procedure should not be scapegoated for the stalemate caused by divergences over the priorities of arms control and disarmament. And it is also impractical to replace these mechanisms with new ones. Therefore, all parties should continue to commit themselves to bridging differences and building consensus through consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, in a bid to inject impetus into the multilateral disarmament mechanisms and make fresh progress in international arms control and disarmament process.

Secondly, the alarming trend of politicization in multilateral disarmament mechanisms should be rejected. In recent years, the trend of politicization in some multilateral disarmament mechanisms and treaty organizations has been intensifying. Certain countries, out of political motivation, have been repeatedly taking advantage of the disarmament platforms to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries by slinging trumped-up charges against them. Such practices have disrupted the normal operation of the mechanisms and aggravated divisions among members. We should resolutely oppose such behaviors.

Thirdly, multilateral disarmament mechanisms should keep abreast of the times. Currently, traditional and non-traditional security issues are growing ever more intertwined and the subject and scope of arms control and disarmament are expanding on an unprecedented scale. In particular, the emerging technologies are bringing about growing risks and challenges to international security. Against such a backdrop, multilateral disarmament mechanisms should adapt to the new reality. In addition to working on traditional agenda items, we should also take a proactive approach to deal with new security issues on the basis of thorough discussion, so as to properly address new security challenges of different manifestations.

Mr. Chairman,

China stands ready to work with all parties to stay committed to multilateralism, actively support and participate in the work of multilateral disarmament mechanisms, and make joint efforts in upholding the multilateral disarmament machinery and in pushing forward the international arms control and disarmament process.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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