By H.E. CONG Peiwu, Chinese Ambassador to Canada
The U.S. Department of State recently released its report entitled 2021 Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments, touting itself as a so-called role model while simultaneously making accusations against China. The allegation against China is entirely groundless, which is why we firmly reject it. I have also noticed that many in the Canadian defence community pay very close attention to the topic of international nuclear disarmament and some experts have released articles for discussion. Many open-minded Canadians are also quite interested in China's stand on this issue.
China's nuclear strategy and nuclear policy are clear, consistent, highly responsible, and arguably the most transparent among all nuclear states. China has never deployed nuclear weapons abroad, nor has it engaged in a nuclear arms race. China has always upheld the commitment that it will not be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time or under any circumstance. China will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. To date, China is the only nuclear power that has made the above commitment, which is a major contribution to the process of international nuclear disarmament. This is in sharp contrast to the "America first" pursued by the United States in relation to arms control and non-proliferation.
China has always maintained a responsible attitude and has been faithfully fulfilling its international obligations and commitments. China has always stood by the broadest members of the international community and has been a staunch supporter, participant and contributor to the international arms control and non-proliferation process. China has spread positive energy across many multilateral platforms such as; the United Nations (UN), the Conference on Disarmament (CD), and the NPT. China has also pushed forward the international arms control and non-proliferation process with practical actions, which amounts to a significant contribution in upholding the international arms control and non-proliferation regime, world peace and security, and global strategic stability.
China firmly believes that space exploration is a dream shared by mankind. Outer space is something which should be accessible to all which makes space security a collective challenge for all. No country can be exempt from this responsibility. It is in the best interest of all countries to ensure that the exploration and development of outer space remains peaceful. It is also in every country's best interest to prevent the weaponization of space and to therefore avoid any possible arms race in space.
China advocates that the international community should be alert to potential dangers even in times of calm. It is imperative that the international community controls risks and challenges brought about by the development of science and technology at the earliest possible date. Cutting-edge technologies, such as cyberspace, AI and bioscience can be used for both civilian and military purposes. China believes that the international community should do the following; conduct preventive arms control diplomacy, establish an authoritative review mechanism for scientific development, scientifically and comprehensively assess the prospects and risks of the military use of new technologies, better regulate scientific research, and build an effective mechanism for non-proliferation through international cooperation at an early date. Through these measures we can effectively prevent extremists and terrorists from acquiring and employing high-risk dual-use technologies.
China is firmly committed to multilateralism, actively carries out international cooperation, and acts as a supporter and defender of international peace and security. President Xi Jinping has called for letting the torch of multilateralism to illuminate humanity's pathway forward. We should reject the outdated Cold War and zero-sum game mentality, adhere to mutual respect and accommodation. We must enhance political trust through strategic communication. China firmly supports the work of the UN. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently said, the world today is in great need of multilateralism. It is becoming increasingly both important and urgent for UN Member States to join hands in order to maintain global strategic stability and to promote the process of international arms control and disarmament.
Both China and Canada attach great importance to multilateralism and the status and role of the UN in international affairs. China and Canada should increase exchanges and cooperation in the field of international arms control and non-proliferation to seek a greater consensus. China is willing to work with Canada and the wider international community in order to continue making unremitting efforts towards the realization of a nuclear-weapons-free world.
