Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, my congratulations to Italy and South Africa on your election as the co-chairs of this Conference, and my appreciation to Algeria and Germany as the co-chairs of the previous Conference. I would also like to welcome the incumbent Executive Secretary Dr. Rob Floyd of the Provisional Technical Secretariat of the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO, and thank former Executive Secretary Dr. Lassina Zerbo for his contributions to promoting entry-into-force of the Treaty.

Mr. Chairman,

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the conclusion of the CTBT. Over the past 25 years, thanks to the joint efforts of all parties, the universality of the Treaty has been improved, the preparation for its implementation has made steady progress, and nuclear-test-ban has become an international consensus. The Treaty has played a significant role in curbing nuclear arms race and upholding global strategic stability, and has become a key pillar of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture.

With the international security situation undergoing profound and complex changes, it is particularly important to bring the Treaty into force, which requires collective, unremitting efforts of the international community. China wishes to propose the following.

First, we need to practice true multilateralism. We should resolve disputes and differences through dialogues and consultations, and eradicate the root causes for the existence and proliferation of nuclear weapons, so as to create favorable political environment for the entry-into-force of the Treaty.

Second, we need to reject the Cold-War mentality. We should oppose the pursuit of absolute military superiority, and strive to maintain global strategic stability, so as to create necessary security environment for the entry-into-force of the Treaty.

Third, we need to oppose willful withdrawals from treaties or agreements. We should firmly defend the integrity, authority and effectiveness of the existing international arms control regime, so as to provide firm institutional guarantee for the entry-into-force of the Treaty.

Fourth, we need to strengthen international consensus. We should continue to advocate the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons and further raise people's awareness on nuclear-test-ban, so as to inject strong political impetus for the entry-into-force of the Treaty.

Fifth, we need to advance the preparatory work. We should promote the development of the International Data Center, the International Monitoring System and the On-Site Inspection Regime in a comprehensive and balanced manner, so as to lay a solid technical foundation for the entry-into-force of the Treaty.

Mr. Chairman,

As one of the first signatories of the CTBT, China has always firmly upheld the purposes and objectives of the Treaty. The Chinese government has all along strictly honored its commitment of moratorium on nuclear testing. China supports the development of the International Monitoring System, and has built ten CTBT monitoring stations and one radionuclide lab on its territory. As the second largest contributor to the Preparatory Commission, China has always paid its contributions in full and on time, and enjoyed sound cooperation with the PTS on voluntary donation and the research and development of relevant equipment.

Since the very first day when it came into possession of nuclear weapons, the Chinese government has advocated the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. China has solemnly declared that it would not be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstance, and unconditionally committed itself not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against Non-Nuclear-Weapon States or Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones. China has always kept its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security. I would like to reiterate that China will never be an obstacle to the entry-into-force of the CTBT. China will continue to make its contribution to the entry-into-force of the Treaty, and work relentlessly towards the early realization of the lofty goal of the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.