Chair,

China attaches great importance to the unique role of the Conference on Disarmament(CD) as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, and appreciates the efforts made by the six rotating Presidents of the CD to advance its work this year, including the adoption of the decision on the work of the CD and re-establishment of the five subsidiary bodies under the Presidency of Italy. Although the subsidiary bodies did not reach consensus on substantive reports, they did conduct relevant discussions in an in-depth and professional manner, which reflected the differences on priorities in disarmament, enhanced mutual understanding, and laid a good foundation for future work. We call on all parties to respect each others' concerns, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and continue making efforts for the early resumption of the substantive work of the CD in the next year.

China looks forward to the positive outcome of the current review cycle of the UN Disarmament Commission(UNDC) on nuclear disarmament and emerging technologies. China welcomes the biennial report adopted by the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters(ABDM), which contains guiding principles and strategic recommendations on the governance of emerging technologies. We also appreciate the indispensable role of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research(UNIDIR) in conducting policy research, providing advice in the field of disarmament, supporting relevant negotiation and conference as well as promoting dialogue and exchanges.

Chair,

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. Maintaining international peace and security is an important mission that the UN shoulders. Strengthening the disarmament machinery, composed of the UNGA First Committee, the CD, the UNDC and other institutions, is of great significance for the UN to implement its central role and main responsibility in the field of disarmament.

At present, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Unilateralism and hegemonism are on the rise, and the deficits in peace, development, security and trust are deepening. The multilateral disarmament machinery has been severely impacted. Adhering to multilateralism, strengthening the role of the UN, and reforming and improving global governance are the common aspirations of all countries and also the ultimate goal of the UN 80 Initiative.

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative, with core concepts of adhereing to the principal of sovereign equality, complying with international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating people-oriented concept and focusing on action orientation. The GGI upholds that the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and other universally recognized basic norms of international relations must be observed comprehensively, fully and in their entirety. The GGI also upholds the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits. This initiative provides a systematic solution for reforming and improving global governance and could serve as an inspiration for revitalizing the multilateral disarmament machinery.

Firstly, we should practice multilateralism and effectively maintain the authority and effectiveness of the disarmament machinery. The multilateral disarmament machinery provides important platforms for countries to discuss international security issues, negotiate legal instruments and carry out global governance on an equal footing. Member states should strive to enhance coordination and cooperation, seeking common ground through dialogue, resolving difference through consultation, achieving win-win through cooperation, and find the least common denominator in the spirit of consensus.

Secondly, we should enhance unity and mutual trust and firmly oppose the politicization of multilateral disarmament machinery. Using the platform of the multilateral disarmament machinery to promote competition and confrontation among major powers not only poses obstacles to the multilateral arms control process, but also seriously worsens the atmosphere for discussion. All parties should build consensus through equal consultation on the basis of mutual respect and jointly address risks and challenges.

Thirdly, we should stay action oriented and respond to new risks and challenges in an active manner. Currently, emerging technologies and their military applications are profoundly changing the global balance of power and influencing the global strategic security landscape. The multilateral disarmament machinery should keep pace with the times, ensure both development and security, and actively explore the formulation of security governance rules for emerging technologies, so that technology can better benefit humanity, bridge the development gap, and facilitate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, while preventing security risks.

Chair,

The multilateral disarmament machinery carries the dreams of people from all countries to “turning swords into plowshares” and to maintain peace. China stands ready to work with all parties to maintain and strengthen the multilateral disarmament machinery and advance the arms control and disarmament process.

Thank you, Chair.