Mr. President,

The illegal flow, excessive accumulation and arbitrary abuse of small arms and light weapons have intensified armed conflicts, impeded sustainable development and given a boost to transnational organized crime and terrorist activities, posing a serious challenge to international peace and security. China supports the Security Council's attention to the embargo of SALW. Based on this position, we constructively participated in the negotiation of the resolution and proposed amendments. Regrettably, the final draft failed to fully reflect China's concerns. For this reason, China had to abstain in the voting just now.

Many elements in the draft resolution entail adjustments to the mandates of UN peacekeeping operations, require the PKOs to provide support for the countries concerned in monitoring arms embargoes and tracking weapons smuggling, among others, and request the Secretary-General to make recommendations on this in country-specific reporting. China supports PKOs in providing, within their mandates and on the basis of respecting the sovereignty of the countries concerned and fully listening to their aspirations, support for their capacity building, including helping them with tighten control of SALW. At the same time, it should be noted that each mission area has its own specificities and challenges and the PKO mandates should be discussed on a case by case basis in light of the specific situations. It is inappropriate to make a one-size-fits-all arrangement for PKO mandates through a Security Council resolution.

All countries are duty-bound to strictly implement the arms embargo measures specified in the Council resolutions. Meanwhile, no country is allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries or violate their sovereignty under the pretext of implementing Security Council resolutions. Sanctions are only a means, not an end. The original intent of the Security Council arms embargoes is to help the countries concerned restore national stability and law and order, and should not hinder these countries’ strengthening of their own security capabilities. It is regrettable that these reasonable views are not fully reflected in the draft.

Mr. President,

From a global perspective, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons exists in both developing and developed countries. The lax management of domestic guns and weapons in an individual developed country has not only harmed its own social stability and the safety of its people's lives, but has also brought great harm to the neighboring countries. The international community must keep close attention to this.

Thank you, Mr. President.