Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese delegation congratulates you on chairing this Meeting of States Parties.

Mr. Chairman,

The international security situation has undergone profound changes since the beginning of the new century. Traditional security threats intertwine with non-traditional threats, and uncertain and unpredictable factors are on the rise. Terrorism, WMD proliferation and the prevalence of infectious diseases constitute grave challenges to international security. In the face of this situation, the international community should foster a new security concept centered on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation, strengthen dialogues, consultations and cooperation, and preserve the multilateral arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation treaty system.

Mr. Chairman,

The Biological Weapons Convention plays a key role in eliminating the threat of and preventing proliferation of biological weapons. In face of the increasing threat of bio-terrorism and frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases, it carries on great significance in strengthening the effectiveness of the BWC through multilateral fora as the Meetings of Experts and the Meeting of States Parties.

Mr. Chairman,

At this year's Meeting of Experts, States Parties discussed and exchanged their experiences and practices on the two topics of the meeting. Lots of good suggestions and proposals were presented. This demonstrates the great importance and support that States Parties render to the multilateral process. According to the mandate, the Meeting of States Parties will, on the basis of the Meeting of Experts, promote common understanding and effective action among States Parties. The Chinese delegation will fully cooperate with you and other delegations in achieving this goal.

Mr. Chairman,

A sound and effective system of disease surveillance and response is conducive to minimizing the impact of infectious diseases on people's work and living, safeguarding life and health. It also contributes to the early detection, active prevention and effective response to bio-terrorism. Many good proposals were put forward on this during the Meeting of Experts.

China upholds that, States Parties should establish and improve related laws and institutions, pool more resources to enhance the surveillance and response capabilities, taking into account of national situation and international standards and guidelines. Furthermore, States Parties should actively participate in and promote cooperation at international, regional and bilateral levels, which serves to enhance the international capability for the combating of infectious diseases. States Parties and international organizations in a position to do so can provide financial and technological assistance to those States Parties in need.

Mr. Chairman,

The mechanism of consultation, cooperation and investigation as stipulated by Articles ? and ? of the BWC sets out the means and procedures for addressing all issues concerning treaty implementation, and is the main approach in dealing with the alleged use of biological weapons. States Parties should observe and implement this mechanism, and within the treaty framework, explore ways of enhancing capabilities for the investigation of BWC breach. The Secretary-General's investigation mechanism for alleged use of chemical and biological weapons was established against unique historical background and has specific scope of application. Whilst initial discussions were held during the Meeting of Experts on the proposal to review and update the mechanism, divergence exists on the purpose and scope of the review. Accordingly and in view of the importance of this issue, further discussion is needed.

Mr. Chairman,

Pursuing the notion of "governing for the people", the Chinese Government has put the safeguard of people's life and health as its primary task. China has promulgated and put into practice a series of laws and regulations, and established a comprehensive safeguarding system of surveillance, report, investigation and response of infectious diseases affecting humans, animals and plants. Great amount of human, material and financial resources has been pooled to improve this system. Through education and awareness-raising activities, China has made great efforts to improve capabilities of the general public of dealing with infectious diseases. China attaches great importance to and actively promotes the exchanges and cooperation with other countries and relevant international, regional organizations. China is willing to make further contributions, together with other parties and through joint efforts, to the effective containment of infectious disease and minimizing the harm caused thereafter.

Mr. Chairman,

To strengthen the effectiveness of the BWC is the common aspiration and obligation of all States Parties. The threat of bio-terrorism and trans-boundary prevalence of infectious diseases remind us the necessity of fulfilling this task. As always, China will continue to enhance consultations and cooperation with other parties, and make unremitting efforts to realize the lofty objective of the BWC and bring mankind out of the threat of biological weapons.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.