Mr. Chair,  

NPT, serving as the cornerstone of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, a crucial pillar of the international security system, as well as the important international law foundation for global security governance, has provided a solid institutional guarantee for avoiding nuclear war, preventing nuclear proliferation, and promoting nuclear energy for the benefit of mankind. Strengthening the review process is a substantive issue that bears on the universality, authority and effectiveness of the Treaty, and should be carried forward steadily on the basis of mutual respect and consensus. We must adhere to our original aspiration, uphold multilateralism, maintain the right direction of the review process and perseverance in strengthening strategic dialogue and mutual trust. China believes that strengthening the review process should adhere to the following principles:  

First, we should evaluate objectively the efficiency of the NPT review mechanism and prudently promote the discussion of strengthening the review process. The current review mechanism is formed through history and generally effective, guarantees the rights of States Parties to full and equal consultation, and accommodates the legitimate security and development concerns of all parties to the greatest extent. The fact that the past two review cycles did not yield substantive results is due to the international security reality. It is not objective to blame it on the review mechanism.  

Second, maintaining the authority and effectiveness of the NPT hinges on achieving balanced progress across all three pillars. While strengthening the review process is important, it should not become the primary objective or outcome. All parties should remain committed to advancing practical results across the three pillars during this review cycle.  

Third, the overall stability of the review mechanism should be maintained.We should not conduct disruptive reform of the existing review mechanism. The pattern of one Review Conference and three Preparatory Committee sessions in every five years should be maintained and the structure of three Main Committees and their subsidiary bodies at the Review Conference should be continued. The existing arrangements for the election of the Conference President and the Chairs of Preparatory Committees, and the existing framework of the outcome document should be upheld. The content of the outcome document should not be pre-determined in advance. At the same time, consideration should be given to appropriately streamlining the session duration, in order to enhance review efficiency, and reduce the financial burden on States Parties attending the meetings.

Fourth, adhere to the consensual working method, carry forward steadily on the basis of mutual respect and full consultation. Overstretching the chairman's personal authorization and the practice of listing each and every party's viewpoints will not be conducive to reach consensus, and instead only weaken the authority of the outcome document. All review conference should seek to reach consensus on final document and this principle should not be abandoned.

Fifth, it is essential to properly handle the relationship among the three pillars. Strengthening the review process should not treat nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy differently. It is important to ensure State Parties' rights of full participation in the review process and agenda setting, and full expression of their positions and concerns. National report should cover three pillars and their considerations should not be carried out in the subsidiary body of the First Main Committee. While emphasizing transparency, reporting, and accountability for nuclear-weapon states, it is equally crucial to ensure that States under the "nuclear umbrella" fulfill their due responsibilities.

Mr. Chair,  

China is ready to work with all State Parties to continue exploring how to strengthen the NPT review process in a serious and responsible manner, and learn the lessons in the implementation of the NPT, bridge differences and build consensus, promote the three pillars in a balanced manner, uphold and strengthen the universality, authority and effectiveness of the Treaty, and promote the global peace, security and development.  

Thank you, Mr. Chair.