Mr. Chairman,

In an age when communications between nations have become ever more frequent and science and technology are advancing rapidly, many criminal activities now transcend borders and extend to the political and economic realm, causing serious harm to the normal social order, political stability and economic development of states. These activities have become a concern to the international community in general. In recent years, the U.N. has stepped up its activities in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, adopted counter measures to prevent the spread of criminal activities. We would like to express our appreciation and support.

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese delegation is pleased to note that, after three years of concerted efforts of the international community, the drafts of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants and the Protocol against the Illicit Trafficking in Firearms have been completed and open for signature. This is a new milestone in international cooperation against transnational organized crime. We would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to the Ad-hoc working group, which drafted the Convention for its outstanding work and efforts. The Chinese Government participated, in a spirit of genuine cooperation and realism, in the entire process of drafting the Convention and its Protocols. China, together with other countries, made a positive contribution to their completion. The Chinese Government signed the Convention on the first day open for signature.

Whether the Convention can play the role expected of it in combating transnational organized crime depends on whether its provisions are really implemented. We are of the view that states should, on the basis of respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit, engage in effective cooperation and assistance, exchange and share experience and information. Due to the many practical difficulties facing developing countries, the international community should extend technical and financial assistance to them in implementing the Convention and in carrying out international cooperation to combat transnational organized crime. All this is of great significance to enabling the Convention to really play its role.

Mr. Chairman,

Just like transnational organized crime, corruption is also very harmful. Today, when globalization is developing apace, the battle against corruption and the prevention of its spread have also become a common task facing all the countries in the world. Exchanging experiences in combating corruption and learning from successful stories, discussing and carrying out international cooperation against corruption will all benefit the world's struggle against it. The expert group charged with drafting an instrument on combating corruption has already begun its work. China is actively taking part in drafting this instrument and shall continue to do so.

Mr. Chairman,

Transnational organized crime groups engage in criminal activities like drug trafficking, money laundering, smuggling and trafficking in persons, and smuggling firearms. These criminal groups even directly engage in terrorist activities or are closely connected to such activities. They seek only profit, using any means at their disposal. They represent the most harmful form of criminality facing mankind in the 21st century. On this the international community has reached a consensus and, through concerted effort, completed the drafting of the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols, thus demonstrating the common determination of the international community on the issue of combating transnational organized crime.

The Chinese Government is ready to join other Governments and the U.N. in making efforts to prevent and combat crimes, safeguard smooth social and economic development and a happy life for the people.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.