President, 

I thank High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing. 

China’s position on chemical weapons has been consistent. We firmly oppose the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances and for any purpose. It is our hope that a world free of chemical weapons will arrive at an early date. 

Regarding the Syrian chemical weapons issue, the Security Council has adopted unanimously Resolution 2118, setting out the overarching objectives for the destruction of Syrian chemical weapons. This was followed by international cooperation to advance the verification of chemical weapons and their removal and destruction, and positive progress has already been made. Regrettably, due to political factors, such cooperation did not sustain. 

The situation in Syria has changed significantly. Under the new circumstances, there is a need to completely and thoroughly resolve the outstanding issues of Syrian chemical weapons and to close the file at an early date. This should be the basic consensus and priority of the international community. 

Within Syria, there are still terrorist organizations and individuals designated by the Security Council, and the risk of terrorist forces exploiting the chaos to strengthen positions in the country remains very high. Effectively resolving the Syrian chemical weapons issue will help prevent dangerous chemicals and chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. 

Syria is a state party to the Chemical Weapons Convention. The turn of events within Syria, however they may change, does not affect its legal obligations under the CWC. Syria shall not use, develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, retain, or transfer chemical weapons. Any chemical weapons production facilities it owns or possesses or that are located in any place under its jurisdiction or control shall be destroyed. 

China notes the recent interactions between the OPCW Technical Secretariat and the Syrian authorities, and we welcome the OPCW Director General’s visit to Damascus. We support the OPCW in fulfilling its mandate in accordance with the Convention, and encourage the Technical Secretariat to engage in scientific, open, and transparent cooperation with the Syrian authorities. All parties should work together to safeguard the technical nature of the OPCW and avoid politicizing relevant issues. 

In closing, China condemns the recent massive airstrikes by Israel against Syria. This not only violates Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also results in negative implications on the efforts to resolve the Syrian chemical weapons issue. 

Thank you.