Mr. President,

I thank you for your briefing in your capacity as Chair of the 1540 Committee, and commend the Committee for its work over the past year in promoting the implementation of resolution 1540 and advancing international cooperation on non-proliferation.

As the Security Council's first comprehensive resolution on non-proliferation, resolution 1540 has, since its adoption 21 years ago, played an important role in building international consensus on non-proliferation, promoting international cooperation in this area, and preventing non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. At present, the international security situation is becoming increasingly complex, with multiple geopolitical conflicts erupting and terrorism continuing to wreak havoc. New developments are emerging in the international non-proliferation landscape. I wish to share the following observations:

First, we must always uphold true multilateralism. Non-proliferation is a matter of global security governance that requires global solutions rooted in multilateralism and the broad participation of the international community. The international community should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, foster a favorable regional and international security environment, accommodate the legitimate security concerns of all countries, eliminate the root causes of proliferation, and achieve common security for all.

Second, we must consolidate and improve the international non-proliferation regime. The regime, comprising of international treaties, Security Council resolutions and international mechanisms, plays an indispensable role in maintaining international peace and security. This governance framework can only be strengthened, not weakened. All parties should earnestly fulfill their responsibilities and obligations, and, on the basis of universal participation and democratic decision-making, work to build a just, equitable and non-discriminatory non-proliferation and export control order, so as to continuously reinforce and consolidate this regime.

Third, we must firmly safeguard the right to the peaceful uses of science and technology. Enjoying the benefits of scientific and technological progress is the legitimate right of all countries. Relevant international treaties, Security Council resolutions, and the General Assembly resolution entitled Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security, sponsored by China, all affirm this principle. While pursuing non-proliferation objectives, the international community should work to eliminate restrictions on the peaceful uses inposed upon developing countries and promote international cooperation in this regard.

Fourth, we must focus on capacity-building for Member States. Member States are the primary actors in implementing resolution 1540, and strengthening their capacity to do so has always been a priority for the Committee. The Committee should fully take into account the specific needs and wills of all countries, especially developing countries, and carry out more targeted international cooperation and assistance to help them address gaps in the non-proliferation field.

China firmly opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We attach great importance to the building of the international non-proliferation regime and to the implementation of resolution 1540, strictly fulfilling our international obligations and actively advancing international cooperation. Last year, in partnership with the 1540 Committee, China hosted in Beijing the Fourth Regional Workshop for Points of Contact of States in the Asia-Pacific Region, supporting the enhancement of non-proliferation capacity in the region and achieving positive results. Going forward, China will continue to work with all parties to promote the effective implementation of resolution 1540, improve the international non-proliferation regime, strengthen global non-proliferation governance, and contribute to maintaining international peace and security.

Thank you, Mr. President.