I.Statement by H.E.Ambassador Hu Xiaodi on Nuclear Disarmament and Reduction of the Danger of Nuclear War at Main Committee I of the 2005 NPT Review Conference (May 19, 2005)

Mr. Chairman,

Preservation and strengthening of NPT through faithful implementation of all its articles by all States Parties are vital for meeting common security challenges. Over the years, China has strictly implemented its nuclear disarmament obligations under the NPT.

China stands for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons and the conclusion of relevant international legal instrument thereupon. China has pledged not to be the first to use nuclear weapons, not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states under any circumstances. China signed and ratified relevant protocols to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin American and the Caribbean, South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty and African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. China hopes parties concerned can reach an early agreement on the outstanding questions related to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty and the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty and stands ready to sign the relevant protocols when they are open for signature. China calls upon all nuclear-weapon States to renounce the policy of nuclear deterrence based on the first use of nuclear weapons, to undertake not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in their national security policies. China has never taken part in nuclear arms race or deployed nuclear weapons abroad. China has made its own contributions to the international nuclear disarmament process by unilaterally undertaking the above-mentioned international obligations.

Mr. Chairman,

The key to facilitate the international arms control and disarmament process now lies in breaking the deadlock of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva. China supports the CD to reach an agreement on the programme of work based on the "Five Ambassadors' Proposal", so as to begin substantive work at an early date on nuclear disarmament, a treaty banning the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons, prevention of an arms race in outer space and negative security assurances. China calls upon parties concerned to demonstrate necessary political will.

China supports an early entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and is committed to ratifying the Treaty at an early date. China actively supports and participates in the preparatory work of the CTBT Organization.

The efforts in preventing the weaponization of and an arms race in outer space and advancing nuclear disarmament are mutually complementary. If weapon systems were deployed in outer space, global strategic balance and stability would be disrupted and an arms race including a nuclear one be provoked. Therefore, it is both necessary and pressing to prevent such a scenario from becoming reality. To that end, China, the Russian Federation, along with some other countries have all along stood for the negotiation of, in the CD, an international legal agreement on the prohibition of deployment of weapons in outer space, threat or use of force against outer space objects.

Mr. Chairman,

The Final Document of the 2000 Review Conference of the NPT outlined some principles and measures concerning nuclear disarmament. The reduction of nuclear weapons should be carried out in accordance with the principles of being effectively verifiable, irreversible and legally binding. Any nuclear disarmament measures, including various intermediate measures, should observe the guidelines of "promoting international strategic stability" and "undiminished security for all" and should be conducive to the promotion of international peace and security. These principles should continue to be reflected in the final document of this Review Conference.

The nuclear disarmament should be a just and reasonable process of gradual reduction towards a downward balance. States possessing the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenals bear special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament and should take the lead in drastically reducing their nuclear arsenals and bind their reduction commitment through legal instruments. All nuclear weapons reduced from their arsenals should be destroyed rather than stored.

China is in favor of the "intermediate measures" with regard to nuclear disarmament. China is ready to consider implementing relevant measures at appropriate time and under appropriate conditions in the due course of the nuclear disarmament process.

China is of the view that the following measures should be taken so as to promote nuclear disarmament, reduce the danger of nuclear war and diminish the role of nuclear weapons in the national security policy:

--The nuclear-weapon States should abandon the policies of nuclear deterrence based on the first use of nuclear weapons and lowering the threshold of using nuclear weapons;

--The nuclear-weapon States should honor their commitment not to target their nuclear weapons against any countries, nor to list any countries as targets of nuclear strike;

--All nuclear-weapon States should undertake that at any time or under any circumstances, not to be the first to use nuclear weapons, not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones; and to conclude relevant international legal instruments thereupon;

--States should withdraw and return home all the nuclear weapons deployed outside their own territories;

--The policy and practice of "nuclear umbrella" and "nuclear sharing" should be abandoned;

--Not to develop easy-to-use low-yield nuclear weapons;

--The nuclear-weapon States should take all necessary steps to avoid accidental or unauthorized launches of nuclear weapons.

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese Delegation has submitted the working paper on nuclear disarmament and reduction of the danger of nuclear war, as contained in NPT/CONF.2005/WP.2. We hope the ideas therein could be reflected in the report of this Committee and the final document of this Conference.

China believes that fostering a security concept based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation and creating a favorable international environment of cooperation and trust are conducive to the advancement of nuclear disarmament.

China will, as all along, join the international community in making unremitting efforts towards realizing the lofty goal of eliminating the threat of nuclear weapons and freeing the world from nuclear weapons.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

II.Statement by H.E. Ambassador Hu Xiaodi on Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at Main Committee II of the 2005 NPT Review Conference(May 19, 2005)

Mr. Chairman,

The Prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons is conducive to the preservation of international and regional peace and security, and is in the common interests of the international community. Over the past decades, the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, of which the Treaty on Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) serves as the cornerstone, has played an important role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. With the joint efforts of the international community, this regime has been reinforced gradually.

In recent years, the situation in the field of nuclear non-proliferation underwent a series of changes. Emerging regional nuclear issues, the exposure of illegal nuclear smuggling network and the increasing danger of terrorism coupled with weapons of mass destruction (WMD) have presented severe challenges to international efforts in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

The proliferation of nuclear weapons has its complicated causes. It has everything to do with the international and regional security. Therefore, a constantly improved global and regional security environment is extremely important to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. To achieve this goal, all states should commit themselves to a relationship based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and co-operation, so as to pursue common security.

The fundamental purpose of preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons is to preserve and promote international and regional peace, stability and security. Any measure of non-proliferation should be conducive to attaining this goal. Concerns related to proliferation of nuclear weapons should be addressed peacefully through political and diplomatic means within the framework of existing international laws. Countries should refrain from willful threat or use of force, double or multiple standards on the issues of nuclear non-proliferation, or even pursuing other agenda in the name of non-proliferation.

Preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons requires joint efforts by all members of the international community. To win the understanding and support of the overwhelming majority of the international community, it is essential to ensure the fair, rational and non-discriminatory nature of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Any efforts to strengthen the international nuclear non-proliferation regime should be based on universal participation of all countries and on a democratic decision-making process. Great importance should be attached to multilateralism and full play given to the role of the United Nations and other related international organizations in these endeavors.

To effectively deal with the new challenges in the field of nuclear non-proliferation, the international community should further promote the universality of the NPT, preserve the effectiveness and integrity of the NPT, strengthen International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, promote the broad signature and ratification of the Full-Scope Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol, further improve international nuclear export control mechanisms and reinforce physical protection of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials.

It is necessary to emphasize that the efforts to promote nuclear non-proliferation should not undermine the legitimate rights of states to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Only when a balanced approach is adopted in dealing with nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy can non-proliferation goals be advanced effectively.

Mr. Chairman,

Since its accession to NPT, China has all along strictly complied with its treaty obligations, including that on preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. China has adhered to the policy of not advocating, encouraging or engaging in proliferation of nuclear weapons, not assisting other countries in developing nuclear weapons. China opposes the proliferation of nuclear weapons in any way to any country.

China has consistently supported international nuclear non-proliferation efforts and been committed to improving the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. China believes that the IAEA safeguards is an important pillar of the international non-proliferation system. We support the IAEA in strengthening safeguards and implementing its verification functions strictly according to its Statute.

China is committed to reinforcing the universality, effectiveness and integrity of the NPT. We welcome and appreciate the accession to the NPT by Cuba and Timor Leste. At the same time, we urge countries that have not done so yet to accede to the NPT as non-nuclear-weapon states as soon as possible and to place all their nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards in accordance with the provisions of the NPT.

Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese Delegation has submitted a working paper on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, as contained in NPT/CONF.2005/WP.3, and hopes the elements contained therein will be included in the report of Main Committee Ⅱ and the final document of the Review Conference.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

III.Statement by H.E. Ambassador Hu Xiaodi on Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone at Main Committee II of the 2005 NPT Review Conference (May 19,2005)

Mr. Chairman,

The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones and the signature and ratification of the protocols of nuclear-weapon-free-zone treaties by the nuclear-weapon States is one of the steps towards a world free of nuclear weapons. It is of great significance to pushing forward nuclear disarmament, preventing proliferation of nuclear weapons and promoting regional and world peace and security. It has also played an important role in extending negative security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States.

China always respects and supports efforts made by non-nuclear-weapon states to establish nuclear-weapon-free zones according to their regional situation and on the basis of voluntary arrangements among themselves. China holds that the guidelines on establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones adopted by the United Nations Disarmament Commission in 1999 should be faithfully observed. The nuclear-weapon states should support efforts by non-nuclear-weapon states to establish nuclear-weapon-free zones, respect the legal status of nuclear-weapon-free zones, and undertake corresponding obligations in a legally binding form.

China has unconditionally undertaken not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. We call upon other nuclear-weapon States to undertake such commitments as well.

Mr. Chairman,

China has signed and ratified the Antarctic Treaty and the relevant protocols to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty and undertaken relevant obligations. China supports and welcomes the steps taken by the non-nuclear-weapon states concerned in recent years to establish new nuclear-weapon-free zones.

China supports efforts by the ASEAN countries to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone and has reached agreement with ASEAN on the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone and its protocol. China hopes that ASEAN and the other four nuclear-weapon States can reach agreements on the unresolved issues related to the Treaty and its Protocol as soon as possible, so that the protocol can be open for signature at an early date.

China supports efforts by the five countries in Central Asia to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone. We welcome the agreement they reached on the text of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Treaty and its protocol. China has no difficulty in the current draft, and hopes that the five Central Asian countries could reach agreement with other nuclear-weapon States concerned on outstanding issues at an early date.

China supports efforts to establish a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East and hopes that parties concerned realize this objective through consultations soon.

Mr. Chairman,

China will, as it always does, continue to support the efforts to establish nuclear-weapon-free zones and contribute to the lofty goal of nuclear-weapon-free world.

The Chinese Delegation has submitted a working paper on the issue of nuclear-weapon-free zone, as contained in the document NPT/CONF.2005/WP.4 and hopes the elements contained therein will be included in the report of Main Committee Ⅱand the final document of the Review Conference.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

IV.Statement by H.E.Ambassador Hu Xiaodi on the Nuclear Issue on the Korean Peninsula at Main Committee II of the 2005 NPT Review Conference(May 19, 2005)

Mr. Chairman,

It's China's firm and consistent policy to achieve the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintain the peace and stability in the Peninsula and the region. It serves the common interests of all the countries in the region, and is the common will of international community to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully through dialogue within the framework of the Six Party Talks as soon as possible.

Three rounds of Six Party Talks and two rounds of working group meetings have been hitherto held due to the joint efforts made by China and other parties. Through the talks, the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsular has been established, the approach to peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue within the framework of Six Party Talks has been identified as the direction, "taking coordinated steps" to address the nuclear issue in line with the principle of "verbal for verbal" and "action for action" was agreed, and nuclear freeze coupled with corresponding measures was endorsed as the first phase of denuclearization.

It has been proved that Six Party Talks is the most practical and effective way to address the nuclear issue. It is in the interests of all parties, and is the common desire of international community to launch the fourth round of Six Party Talks as soon as possible. China is carrying out diplomatic mediation actively for the early resumption of the Six Party Talks process. In doing so China spared no efforts to utilize bilateral engagements to work on both the DPRK and the United States, urged the DPRK to consider coming back to the negotiating table at an early date and urged U.S to create an atmosphere conducive to the resumption of the Six Party Talks process. At present both the DPRK and the U.S have not closed the door of negotiation but considerable difficulties still remain ahead to resume the Six Party Talks process.

The DPRK and the U.S are the key parties on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. To resolve the nuclear issue needs the common efforts of the parties concerned, especially that of the DPRK and the U.S. It's impossible for China to resolve the nuclear issue by itself. We hope the parties concerned, especially the DPRK and the U.S could demonstrate flexibility, sincerity and patience, take more actions conducive to increasing the trust and reducing the mistrust, instead of taking the actions complicating the situation, so as to resume the Six Party Talks process at an early date thus transforming the relevant consensus into practical actions.

China will uphold the goal of achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and maintaining the peace and stability in the region, promote dialogue and push forward talks together with other parties thus peacefully resolving the nuclear issue at an early date. We also hope the discussions on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula within the Review Conference could contribute to this end.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

V.Statement by H.E. Ambassador Hu Xiaodi on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy at Main Committee III of the 2005 NPT Review Conference (May 19,2005)

Madam Chair,

It is one of the important objectives of the NPT to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the relevant international cooperation. Enhanced efforts in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are conducive to fully realizing all the objectives of the NPT, promoting nuclear disarmament and preventing nuclear weapons proliferation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should attach great importance to the need and voice of developing countries for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, further strengthen its work in technical cooperation and take effective measures to promote continued development of nuclear power and nuclear technology applications. All States Party, especially the developed ones, should pay enough attention and give support to the promotional activities of the Agency, ensure adequate funds and reliable resources for technical cooperation and facilitate the smooth operation of the relevant activities.

Madam Chair,

The Chinese Government has regarded the development of nuclear energy as an important component of national economy and energy development strategy. Nuclear power plant construction formally began in China in 1985. After more than 20 years' efforts, China now has 9 nuclear power units in operation and 2 under construction. Nuclear power has become an important pillar of the local electric structure and made great contributions to local social and economic development, and will be further developed to meet the demand of electricity in the future development of national economy. By the year of 2020, the nuclear installed capacity is expected to expand to 36GWe, accounting for more than 4% of the total electric capacity. Nuclear power will be an important pillar of electric structure in coastal areas with developed economy and heavy electric power load.

Madam Chair,

China consistently advocates a complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons and opposes proliferation of nuclear weapons in any way to any countries. The Chinese Government honors its international commitments, devotes itself to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and implements nuclear non-proliferation policy in accordance with domestic law and regulations.

In order to contribute to the efforts of this Review Conference to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, China has submitted a working paper as contained in NPT/CONF.2005/WP.6, which elaborates China's position on this issue and requests that the following elements be incorporated in the report of Main committee III and the Final Document of the Review Conference:

1. It is one of the important objectives of the NPT to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the relevant international cooperation. Enhanced efforts in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are conducive to a comprehensive realization of all the objectives of the NPT and will be helpful in promoting nuclear disarmament and preventing nuclear weapons proliferation.

2. The prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are mutually complementary and inseparably linked with each other. Non-proliferation efforts should not undermine the legitimate rights of countries, especially the developing countries, to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

3. A proper balance between the safeguards and the international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy of the IAEA will entail more chance for active support of and participation in the IAEA's activities.

4. Technical assistance to the developing countries on peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be further strengthened.

5. Adequate fund should be guaranteed for the IAEA's promotional and technical cooperation activities. All states parties should contribute to the Technical Cooperation Fund in full and in time.

6. Governments should take primary responsibility of physical protection of nuclear material and facilities. International cooperation in this field should be strengthened and supported, including the efforts by the IAEA. Resources requires to achieve these goals should be allocated through means other than compromising the key activities of the IAEA, particularly its promotional activities.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

VI.Statement by H.E. Ambassador Hu Xiaodi on Nuclear Issues in the Middle East at Main Committee II of the 2005 NPT Review Conference (May 20,2005)

Mr. Chairman,

The promotion of the peace process and the realization of peace and stability in the Middle East serve the interests of the people in the region and bear on world security.

As a permanent member of the Security Council, China always follows closely the development of the situation in the Middle East and works vigorously to facilitate and promote the peace process. Through bilateral and multilateral channels and in many different ways, China has always advocated peace talks, urging Israel and Palestine to resolve their territorial disputes through political negotiations.

China supports any international effort that helps ease tension in the region and believes that the UN, the Security Council in particular, should play an active role in the Middle East peace process. China calls upon the parties concerned to seek a solution to the Middle East questions through peaceful negotiations in the spirit of reconciliation. China stands against any terrorist activities and extremist violence against civilians. The parties concerned should implement the agreements and common understandings reached on the basis of the UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace". China hopes that the parties concerned continue to establish mutual trust and reinvigorate peace talks, to restart "Road Map" Peace Plan in order to seek the realization of comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.

Mr. Chairman,

Establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMDs in the Middle East will contribute not only to creating a political climate of trust and reconciliation and promoting the peace process, but also to strengthening the international non-proliferation regime.

China supports the efforts made by Middle East countries to establish a zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMDs through voluntary consultations and agreement. The UN resolutions on the Middle East Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone and the provisions of the resolution on the Middle East issue adopted by the 1995 NPT Review Conference should be abided by and implemented.

China appreciates and supports the positive measures taken by Middle East countries that are conducive to the realization of a zone free of nuclear weapons in the region. The decision by Libya to abandon its WMD programs including the nuclear weapon program is a remarkable achievement of international efforts in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons through peaceful means, and is conducive to maintaining the international non-proliferation regime and underpinning regional peace and stability.

Israel should immediately accede to the NPT and place all its nuclear facilities under the IAEA's full-scope safeguards. Such steps will be of great significance for promoting universality of the NPT in the Middle East and strengthening the international non-proliferation regime.

In accordance with the Final Document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference, the Chinese Delegation has submitted to this Review Conference a report on the measures taken by China to promote the Middle East peace process and the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region, as contained in the document NPT/CONF.2005/25.

China stands ready to continue to work together with other countries to realize peace and establish a zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMDs in the Middle East.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

VII. Statement by H.E. Ambassador Hu Xiaodi on Security Assurances for Non-Nuclear-Weapon States at the Main Committee I of the 2005 NPT Review Conference (May 24,2005)

Mr. Chairman,

"Security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states" is an important issue in the NPT regime. Non-nuclear-weapon states are entitled to security assurances by the nuclear-weapon states. Since non-nuclear states have given up the nuclear weapon choice, it is fair and reasonable for them to claim assurances that they be free from threat of nuclear weapons, and ask for a legally-binding confirmation of such assurances.

Security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states is not one-way benefit. By undertaking not to develop nuclear weapons, non-nuclear-weapon states make contributions to international nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, as well as world peace and stability at large. Security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states will enhance their sense of security and reduce their motivation to pursue nuclear weapons, hence playing a positive role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and preserving the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, of which the NPT serves as the cornerstone.

For years, non-nuclear-weapon states have made unremitting efforts in seeking security assurances by nuclear-weapon states and been rewarded by some achievements. Through Security Council Resolutions 255 and 984, the nuclear-weapon states to some extent, provided positive and negative security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states. By signing relevant protocols to nuclear-weapon-free-zone treaties, nuclear-weapon states also extended security assurances to states parties to these treaties. However, regrettably, non-nuclear-weapon states have yet been provided with unconditional security assurances by all the nuclear-weapon states so far, and the negotiation on a legally binding international instrument on security assurance has yet begun.

The fundamental approach to addressing the issue of security assurance for non-nuclear-weapon states is complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, freeing the whole world from the threat of nuclear weapons. Pending the realization of this objective, all nuclear-weapon states should undertake not to be the first to use nuclear weapons, or use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones at any time or under any circumstances. International legal instruments should be concluded thereupon without delay.

Gradually diminishing the role of nuclear weapons in national security policy, not listing any states as targets of nuclear weapons strike, and not designing any nuclear attack plan against non-nuclear-weapon states will be conducive to making progress on security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states. We regret the setback with respect to security assurances, since it will inevitably bring about negative impact on international non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament process.

Mr. Chairman,

China has all along committed not to be the first to use nuclear weapons at no time or under no circumstances, nor use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones, thus providing unconditional negative security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states. In 1995, the Chinese Government reaffirmed once again the above position and undertook to provide positive security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states. China and Russia have concluded an agreement on mutual no-first-use of nuclear weapons. China has also initiated that nuclear-weapon states should conclude a treaty on no-first-use of nuclear weapons and undertake unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states. China actively supports the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva to re-establish an ad hoc committee on negative security assurances and start substantive work and negotiations without delay. China also supports negotiating a protocol on security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states within the NPT framework.

China has signed all relevant protocols to nuclear-weapon-free-zone treaties that are open for signature, and undertaken corresponding obligations. China and ASEAN have reached agreement on Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty and its protocol. China hopes that ASEAN and the other four nuclear-weapon States can reach agreements on the unresolved issues related to the Treaty and its Protocol as soon as possible, so that the protocol can be open for signature at an early date. China also takes a positive and open attitude towards the draft Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty and its Protocol. We have no difficulty in the current draft presented by the five Central Asian countries, and hope that agreement could be reached between the five countries and relevant nuclear-weapon States at an early date.

China supports establishing a subsidiary body and allocating special time at the Review Conference to discuss the issue of Security Assurances for non-nuclear states.

The Chinese Delegation has submitted a working paper on Security Assurances for non-nuclear-weapon states, as contained in document NPT/CONF.2005/WP.7, and hopes the elements contained therein will be included in the report of Main Committee I and the final document of the Review Conference.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

VIII. Statement by H.E. Ambassador Hu Xiaodi on the Iranian Nuclear Issue at Main Committee II of the 2005 NPT Review Conference (May 24,2005)

Mr. Chairman:

China follows closely on the Iranian nuclear issue and has advocated that this issue be resolved appropriately within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through peaceful negotiation.

China notes Iran's repeated commitment of not developing nuclear weapons and strictly abiding its NPT obligations. As a state party to the NPT, Iran's legitimate right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy under strict safeguards should be respected.

Since Iran and three Europe Union countries reached agreement last November, positive progress has been made gradually on the remaining issues. China hopes that Iran continue its full cooperation with the IAEA, implement the IAEA Board resolutions, and ratify the Additional Protocol as soon as possible. China appreciates the professional and effective work of the IAEA to verify Iran's implementation of safeguards agreement. We hope the IAEA continue its verification on all remaining issues in a just and objective manner.

Mr. Chairman,

China highly appreciates that Iran and the three European Union countries are resolved to solve the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiation, and China supports their efforts on a long-term solution. We hope that both sides will deal with this issue from strategic perspectives aimed at enhancing regional peace and security, continue to be patient and flexible, gradually diminish their divergences, in order to make progress on the negotiation. The other parties concerned shall make active efforts to create favorable conditions for the final positive results of the negotiation.

China believes that with concerted efforts by the international community, it is possible to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and in a peaceful and diplomatic manner. The Iranian nuclear issue resolutions adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors have laid a good foundation for peaceful solution of this issue. We hope that the international community, in a constructive manner, continue to encourage dialogue, consultations and cooperation, with a view to create favorable environment to enhance trust among parties, promote negotiation between Iran and EU, and facilitate verification process, for the appropriate solution of the Iranian nuclear issue within the framework of the IAEA as soon as possible. This will contribute to the peace and stability of the region, the demonstration of the IAEA's authority, and the preservation of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Thus, it serves the common interests of the international community.

China has been in close consultations and cooperation with all parties on the Iranian nuclear issue. We will continue to play a constructive role in resolving this issue appropriately at an early date.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.