China strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons inside Syria. We support investigations into the incidents so as to bring to justice the perpetrators and those responsible for unleashing the chemical-weapons attacks.

We support the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) in continuing its work. The draft resolution on which the Council voted (S/2017/968) contains the proposed extension of the JIM mandate by a year, condemns the chemical weapons attacks in Syria, demands investigations, and expresses concern over the use of chemical weapons by non-State actors, particularly terrorist organizations. It also seeks to improve the JIM’s working methods and mandate and to strengthen its on-site investigation and evidence collection, and proposes specific measures to improve the JIM’s work and to ensure the reliability and credibility of the conclusions of its investigations.

China supported and voted in favour of the draft resolution. We regret the fact that it was not adopted.