（May 2010, New York）

Mr. Chairman,

The prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation is an effective and necessary step towards the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. It is of great importance to preserve regional and international peace and security. At present, the international non-proliferation situation is still grave. It is in the common interests and a shared responsibility of the international community to consolidate and enhance the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

China maintains that we should adhere to the following principles when dealing with the non-proliferation issues.

First, all States should uphold the new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination, foster a peaceful and stable international environment, and ensure security for all through win-win cooperation, so as to remove the root causes of conflict and instability.

Secondly, double standards and pragmatism on nuclear non-proliferation issues must be discarded. The principle of multilateralism should be followed and the role of United Nations and other international organizations should be stressed and given full play. The fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory nature of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime should be continuously strengthened on the basis of universal participation and democratic decision-making.

Thirdly, efforts should be made to consolidate and enhance the international non-proliferation regime, of which the NPT is cornerstone, and continuously enhance the universality, authority and effectiveness of the NPT. Those countries that are not parties to the NPT should join the NPT as non-nuclear-weapon states as soon as possible. All states parties should fully implement all provisions of the NPT.

Fourthly, the IAEA safeguards system is an important means of preserving the effectiveness of international nuclear non-proliferation regime. The universality of the comprehensive safeguards agreement and its additional protocol should be promoted. All states should take measures to further strengthen nuclear export control regimes, earnestly implement UNSCR 1540 (2004) and UNSCR 1887 (2009), and promote and enhance international cooperation on the basis of existing international laws, so as to effectively address illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, and related materials by non-State actors.

Fifthly, regional nuclear issues should be addressed peacefully through political and diplomatic means within the framework of existing international laws. Application of sanctions is not an effective way to solve problems. States should refrain from resorting to the use or threat of force. Safeguarding international and regional peace, security and stability is of the same importance as achieving the goal of non-proliferation, which should be a necessary condition for the settlement of the regional nuclear issues.

Sixthly, the nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are mutually reinforcing. Any nuclear non-proliferation effort should not undermine the legitimate right of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. And at the same time, efforts should be made to prevent any country from engaging in proliferation activities under the pretext of peaceful uses. Any international cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be conducive to strengthening the effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime.

Mr. Chairman,

China firmly opposes the proliferation of nuclear weapons, has fulfilled strictly our obligations of international non-proliferation, and has always participated actively in the international non-proliferation efforts.

China has joined all international treaties and relevant organizations in the field of non-proliferation. China has put in place a comprehensive system of laws and regulations on export control which are basically identical with international practices, and continuously take effective measures to ensure the full enforcement of relevant laws and regulations. China strictly implements UNSCR 1540 (2004) and other UNSC resolutions related to non-proliferation. China took part in the United Nations Security Council Summit on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Disarmament held in September 2009, and supported the adoption of UNSCR 1887. China has committed itself to promoting multilateral and bilateral exchanges and cooperation in this regard.

Proceeding from safeguarding international non-proliferation regime and maintaining world and regional peace and security, China has been dedicated to promoting peaceful solutions of relevant regional nuclear issues through dialogues and negotiations. China believes that the Six-Party Talk is the best mechanism to address the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. Parties concerned should take into consideration the overall situation and continuously advance the process of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. China is actively committed to solving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogues and negotiations. The Iranian issue is now at the critical juncture. Parties concerned should intensify diplomatic efforts and seek a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution.

The Chinese delegation submitted a working paper entitled Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at this Review Conference. We hope that the elements in the working paper be fully reflected in the final document of the Conference.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.