Dear Colleagues,

Friends,

We gather here to discuss strategy and actions to counter the drug problem. This demonstrates the international community's determination to rectify the problem and deepen cooperation. China applauds the extraordinary work done by the UNGASS Board, and will work with other countries for the successful conclusion of the session and fully implement the outcome document of the session.

Mr. Chairman,

Dear Colleagues,

Friends,

For many years, the international community has made unremitting efforts to control drugs, with encouraging results. A full-fledged international drug control system has been put in place; a global framework with the three international conventions as the centerpiece has taken shape; and the Political Declaration and Plan of Action has been formulated. On the other hand, global drug control still faces formidable and complicated challenges; the fight remains an uphill battle. For China, we will remain committed to the principle of wide participation and shared responsibility, and fully implement the comprehensive, integrated and balanced international counter-narcotics strategy. In view of recent developments, China would like to call for greater international efforts in the following five areas:

First, forge partnerships based on equality and mutual benefit. It is important that countries honor the principle of sovereign equality as enshrined in the UN Charter and avoid injecting political factors into anti-narcotics efforts or using drug control as a pretext to interfere in other countries' internal affairs. The international community should embrace a mindset of win-win cooperation, forge global partnerships and build a community of shared destiny for mankind in combating the drug problem.

Second, improve the drug control system featuring shared responsibility and common efforts. While international drug control agencies need to play a leading role, the producer, transit or consumer countries as well as those affected by the drug menace should share the responsibility of narcotics control. It is important to mobilize and involve international organizations, NGOs and civil society in countering the drug problem so as to create a situation where drug control agencies play a leading role, national governments share the responsibility, and the whole society gets actively involved.

Third, pursue an integrated and balanced drug control strategy in light of national conditions. The fundamental role of the three conventions in the international drug control system needs to be solidified and brought into full play, and any form of legalization of narcotics should be resolutely opposed. We need to respect and support countries in introducing laws, policies and strategic measures in light of their respective conditions. We need to continue to implement an integrated, balanced and scientific evidence-based drug control strategy and uphold the authority, consistency and inclusiveness of our drug policies.

Fourth, form standardized, practical and efficient operation mechanisms. Countries should carry out joint actions to combat drug-related crimes; step up international and regional law enforcement cooperation; and establish standardized, practical and efficient mechanisms on intelligence sharing, case-based cooperation, anti-money laundering and mutual legal assistance. International control measures and verification system should be strictly enforced and strengthened to tighten the control of precursors at the source and prevent the spread of new psychoactive substances (NPS).

Fifth, pursue shared development and progress through joint efforts. Countries need to uphold the spirit of cooperation and trust, and advance the anti-narcotic endeavor through mutual assistance. Developed countries should provide funding and technical assistance to developing countries, and vigorously pursue the strategy of alternative development to improve lives for people in former drug plant cultivation areas. All countries should be guided by the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action, live up to their commitments and make due contribution to the global fight against drugs.

Mr. Chairman,

Dear Colleagues,

Friends,

The Chinese government attaches great importance to anti-narcotics. For years, we have carried out the people's campaign against drugs and achieved notable progress. In the past decade, we cracked down on more than one million cases of drug crime and seized 751 tons of drugs. A total of 950,000 person/times of community-level treatment and rehabilitation and 1.21 million person/times compulsory isolation for rehabilitation were implemented. More than 1.2 million ex-users have not relapsed in three years. The Chinese government has spent 1.6 billion yuan for alternative cultivation in Myanmar and the northern part of Laos, which now covers an area of 3.5 million Chinese mu (more than 233,000 hectares).

The Chinese government is firmly committed to fighting drugs. China will act upon President Xi Jinping's instructions, actively implement anti-drug policy and strive to win the people's campaign. China will continue to support the work of UN anti-narcotic agencies, take an active part in international and regional cooperation and jointly combat relevant transnational crimes. We will continue to promote sustainable alternative development and provide assistance as much as we can to help relevant countries. We stand ready to work with the international community to build partnership for mutual benefit, advance the cause of drug control. and work tirelessly for the health, safety and well-being of mankind.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.