On April 18, 2005, Mr. Zhang Yan, Director-General of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament, had talks with H.E. Ambassador Jaap Ramaker of the Netherlands, Special Representative of States Ratifiers to Promote Ratification Process of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in the Foreign Ministry.

During the talks, Ambassador Ramarker stressed that early entry into force of CTBT contributes to preventing the nuclear weapons proliferation and maintaining the international peace and stability. In light of its ever increasing influence in the world affairs, China's attitude towards the ratification has become the focus of attention. China's ratification will send a positive signal to the international community, and give impetus to the efforts toward CTBT's entry into force.

Director-General Zhang expressed appreciation for the Special Representative's efforts to promote the ratification process, and reiterated China's positive position on CTBT. Zhang confirmed that as one of the first signatories of the treaty, China supports CTBT's early entry into force and is accelerating its own domestic ratification proceedings. The Chinese Government, together with the National People's Congress, would continue to advocate the significance of CTBT to the public and strive for an early ratification.

On behalf of the States Ratifiers, Ambassador Ramaker paid the special visit to China to exchange views on the ratification of CTBT.