At the outset, I would like to thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing.

China has been closely following the developments related to the Salisbury incident since it took place in the United Kingdom in March. We support addressing the issue within the framework of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in accordance with the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention. I wish to reiterate that China is firmly opposed to the use of chemical weapons by any State, any organization or any individual under any circumstances. That is our categorical and consistent position.

We take note that the OPCW Technical Secretariat has recently issued a report on technical assistance provided with regard to the Salisbury incident. At the same time, we also note that the parties concerned have yet to agree on mutually acceptable conclusions. Further investigations are required to determine the nature of the incident and the responsible parties. China believes that a comprehensive, objective and impartial investigation should be conducted, and on the basis of solid evidence, conclusions that can stand the test of facts and history should be drawn. In the current circumstances, all parties should pursue their consultations and carry out further investigations to uncover the truth.

The international community is facing numerous challenges and all parties should reject the Cold War mentality, join hands to maintain world peace, stability and security; remain committed to a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, equity, justice and win-win cooperation; and build a community of a shared future for humankind. Council members in particular should remain united so as to jointly fulfill the responsibilities of maintaining world peace and security.