Mr. Chairman,

Illicit drugs are human society's public enemy. As a serious challenge facing humanity, they affect the development of countries, social stability as well as mankind's future. Illicit drugs have always been of great concern to the international community. In order to combat the production of and trafficking in illicit drugs and to reduce demand for them, for a long time the international community has actively taken measures and achieved encouraging results. However, taking the world as a whole, the trend is that the cultivation, production and consumption of illicit drugs are spreading and developing. As the world economy becomes ever more globalized, as the flow of trade, commerce, personnel and capital among states increases, drug-related crimes are also gaining and taking on an organized, international and professional character. It is imperative that the international community recognize the phenomenon for what it is and adopt timely counter measures, strengthen international cooperation against drugs and combat drug-related crimes.

Mr. Chairman,

In l998 the U.N. convened a Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to countering the world drug problem together, setting forth measures and strategies to combat drugs worldwide. The Chinese Government has made great efforts to implement the measures and goals of the Special Session. In 1999 China launched "drug-free community" activities nationwide, focusing on youth, conducting education in prevention, and stepped up efforts to reduce demand for drugs. In 2000, for the first time China issued "China's White Paper on Combating Illicit Drugs," which comprehensively and systematically laid out China's position on illicit drugs, measures taken and achievements. This year, China's law enforcement departments have put emphasis on "cutting off the source and stopping the flow of illicit drugs," vigorously combating drug trafficking and have achieved outstanding results. In the first half of this year, law enforcement departments have confiscated 6.2 tons of heroines and 2.9 tons of ice.

Mr. Chairman,

Illicit drugs are a social problem, closely related to all aspects of social life. Combating illicit drugs requires the participation of society as a whole. Relying on social strength, resorting to legal, administrative, economic and educational means, and adopting a holistic approach are all effective ways to solve the problem of illicit drugs.

However, illicit drugs are also a global problem. Only through international cooperation can we finally solve the problem. The international community has reached a broad consensus in this regard. China attaches importance to international cooperation and actively participates in it. It has established close cooperation with many countries and the UNDCP, thus making its contribution to the international struggle against illicit drugs. In order to effectively combat the criminal groups at the "Golden Triangle," China continues to strengthen its cooperation with Laos, Mynmar, and Thailand in combating illicit drugs. In August this year, a Ministers' meeting on cooperation was successfully convened in Beijing, attended by China, Laos, Mynmar and Thailand. The meeting established partnership and cooperation among the four countries and stipulated specific areas of cooperation.

Mr. Chairman,

Resolute struggle against illicit drugs has always been the Chinese Government's position. This is our article of faith: as long as there are illicit drugs, our struggle against them will not cease. We are ready to join other countries in striving to eradicate the scourge of drugs at an early date to benefit future generations and do our utmost to create a drug-free future for mankind.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.