United Nations, 4 Apr (ZXS) -- Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said in his speech at the Security Council's open debate on arms and equipment exports on 10 April that China calls on all countries, especially major military powers, to fulfill their international obligations, adopt responsible arms export policies, and stop using arms exports to interfere in other countries' internal affairs.
On the same day, at the initiative of the Russian presidency for this month, the Security Council convened an open debate on the theme "Risks arising from violations of the Agreement on the Control of the Export of Arms and Military Equipment", at which the Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs and High Representative of the United Nations, Izumi Nakamitsu, gave a briefing. Illicit and uncontrolled arms transfers can instigate, exacerbate and prolong armed conflict, armed violence, terrorism and crime, and Member States should work to eliminate the illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversion, Nakamitsuizumi said.
Geng Shuang said in his speech: At present, the international security situation is becoming chaotic and intertwined, the geopolitical game is becoming increasingly intense, and the global security deficit is increasing unabated. Against this background, the scale of global arms trade is expanding, the regional arms race is on the rise, irresponsible arms exports are intensifying, and international peace and security are facing enormous risks and challenges.
In this regard, Geng Shuang put forward four proposals: first, it is necessary to earnestly implement the legal instruments and institutional arrangements for the conventional arms control process; Secondly, it is necessary to pay close attention to the impact of arms and equipment exports on the conflict itself and on post-conflict situations; Third, we must resolutely oppose the use of arms exports to serve geopolitical self-interest; Fourth, we should vigorously promote the construction of a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.
Geng Shuang said that Member States should actively support the role of the United Nations as the main channel in the field of conventional arms control and effectively strengthen arms export control. The tragedies in Afghanistan and Iraq remind us of the need to deal more responsibly with the import of weapons into conflict areas. At the same time, it is also necessary to accurately design Security Council sanctions, so as to ensure the national defense and military building needs of the countries involved in the conflict while implementing the relevant arms embargoes, and prevent the flow of weapons into the hands of illegal armed forces and terrorists.
Geng Shuang said that China calls on all countries, especially military powers, to fulfill their international obligations, adopt responsible arms export policies, and stop using arms exports to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. It must be noted that a major military power has a loose arms export control system and long-term transfers of military goods to non-State actors. In 2019, the country withdrew its signature on the Arms Trade Treaty. In 2022, the country accounted for nearly 40% of the world's total arms exports, which can be described as the largest country. The country cooperates with foreign countries on nuclear submarines and transfers weapons-grade highly enriched uranium. The country has reneged on its commitments made in diplomatic communiqués, challenged the sovereignty of other countries, condoned separatist forces, and escalated arms sales. All of this is creating confrontation, exporting turmoil, advancing geostrategy and provoking tensions, and must be resisted.
Geng Shuang said that China has always adopted a cautious and responsible attitude in arms exports, only carrying out conventional arms and trade cooperation with sovereign countries, and not providing weapons to non-state actors. China explicitly requires the governments of the receiving countries to provide end-user and end-use certificates, and undertakes not to transfer weapons imported from China to third parties without China's consent. China's accession to the Arms Trade Treaty in 2020 and the initiation of the domestic ratification process for acceding to the Firearms Protocol fully demonstrate China's determination and sincerity to firmly defend the multilateral arms control process and maintain international peace and security. China is willing to work with the international community to continue to make unremitting efforts to build a world of lasting peace and universal security and to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. (End)