Chair,

It is in the common interest of all humankind to completely eliminate the threat of biological and chemical weapons, ensure the safe and peaceful uses of biological and chemical technologies, and promote the inclusive and shared benefits of scientific and technological development.

Guided by the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative put forwarded by President XI Jinping, China stays committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. We are also committed to true multilateralism and the comprehensive, balanced and effective implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), with a view to building a more just and reasonable global governance system in the biological and chemical fields.

Chair,

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the BWC. China attaches great importance to the cornerstone role of the Convention in preventing the proliferation of biological weapons, their delivery systems and related technologies, promoting the peaceful use of biotechnology, and safeguarding world peace and security. China supports the in-depth discussions, in the Working Group on Strengthening the Convention chaired by Brazil, on all topics mandated by the Ninth Review Conference. On this basis, we encourage the Working Group to reach consensus on concrete and effective measures, including possible legally binding ones, and to make recommendations to strengthen and institutionalize the Convention in all its aspects, to be submitted to States Parties for consideration and further action.

The establishment of a verification mechanism is the most effective means for ensuring compliance and build mutual trust. The Working Group should, in accordance with its mandate, focus on substantive discussions on all aspects related to the establishment of such a mechanism, in order to build consensus and lay a solid foundation for the resumption of multilateral negotiations. China welcomes concrete proposals from all sides in this regard.

China supports exploring ways to improve guidelines and procedures of the UN Secretary-General's Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons, and consider its future development, taking into account the evolving security landscape, scientific and technological developments, and the UN80 Initiative.

The potential risks of misuse or abuse of biotechnology should not be overlooked. China advocates responsible biological research and encourages all stakeholders to voluntarily draw on and actively promote the Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines for Codes of Conduct for Scientists, adopted in July 2021.

This November, with the support of United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, China will co-host with Malaysia, the Second Regional Workshop on Implementing the Biological Weapons Convention and Promoting Biosafety and Biosecurity in Southeast Asia in Guangzhou. We look forward to contributing to regional biosecurity capacity-building, improving global biosecurity governance, and promoting international and regional cooperation through these discussions.

Chair,

China opposes the use or threat of use of chemical weapons by any individual, organization or country under any circumstances. We are committed to working with all parties to uphold the authority of the CWC and promote the early realization of a world free of chemical weapons.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The destruction of the Japanese Abandoned Chemical Weapons in China remains unfinished, with progress severely lagging behind. For four time, Japan failed to fulfill its task according to the schedule laid down for the destruction of Japanese ACWs by the OPCW. The year 2027 will be a critical juncture for implementing the new destruction plan. We once again urge Japan to earnestly shoulder its historical responsibility, faithfully fulfill its obligations under the CWC, and eliminate these remnants of Japanese War of Aggression at an early date.

China advocates resolving chemical weapons–related hotspot issues through dialogue and consultation. We support the OPCW Technical Secretariat, in cooperating with the Syrian transitional government, to investigate throughly the stockpile of toxic chemicals in Syria and complete its destruction as soon as possible. Syria should respond to international concerns about counter-terrorism and prevent the proliferation of toxic chemicals. Attribution efforts that exceed the Convention's mandate should be avoided, so as to prevent further division and confrontation among States Parties. Politicization of OPCW's relevant work should be properly addressed. We hope that all relevant parties will handle the chemical weapons–related aspects of the Ukraine crisis within the framework of the CWC and play a constructive role in promoting political settlement of the crisis.

China supports actively addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and improving security governance in the chemical weapons domain under new technological conditions. Last June, China and the OPCW jointly held the Organization's first AI capacity-building workshop in Shanghai. China stands ready to continue sharing its experience in AI development and governance, and to assist developing countries in capacity building.

China has been actively participating in the reform of the CWC inspection regime to be more efficient, balanced and sustainable.

Chair,

Peaceful uses of science and technology is the legitimate right of all countries and is vital for developing countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. China calls on the international community to implement  the UNGA resolution Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security, Article X of the BWC, Article XI of the CWC, and UN Security Council Resolution 1540, in an integrated manner advance non-proliferation and peaceful uses in a balanced way, give higher priority to international cooperation on peaceful uses, and take more concrete actions, to promote peaceful uses and inclusive sharing of science and technology.

Thank you, Chair.