Mr. President,

China congratulates the United States and Russia on the extension of the New START Treaty. The new US administration responded to the Russian initiative and quickly agreed with Russia on the unconditional extension of the New START Treaty, after which both parties promptly concluded their domestic procedures. This fully demonstrates that the unconditional extension of this important bilateral nuclear disarmament treaty is the only correct choice, which is in the common interests of the US and Russia, and is conducive to global strategic stability. As countries with the largest nuclear arsenals, the US and Russia should follow the long-standing international consensus, fulfill their special and primary responsibilities in nuclear disarmament, and further drastically and substantively reduce their nuclear stockpile, following the extension of the New START Treaty, which meets the aspiration of the international community, and will create conditions for the ultimate goal of general and complete nuclear disarmament.

China is ready to conduct bilateral dialogues, on the basis of equality and mutual respect, on issues related to strategic security with other nuclear-weapon States, including the US and Russia, so as to enhance strategic trust. China is also ready to participate in dialogues and cooperation in the multilateral fora, such as the P5 mechanism, the NPT review process, and the CD, with a view to maintaining the strategic stability, enhancing international peace and security, and promoting international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation process.

Thank you, Mr. President.