As the Conference on Disarmament begins its 2022 session, I wish to extend my congratulations and best wishes on the opening of this plenary.

The world today is experiencing the combined impacts of major changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century. The international relations and global strategic security situation are undergoing complex and profound adjustments. Traditional security threats and emerging security challenges are intertwined. The international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation system stands at a critical crossroads. Facing the new circumstances and challenges, the international community needs to vigorously advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are common values of humanity, commit to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security at the global level, and resolutely uphold the authority and sanctity of the United Nations. It should advance steadily the reform of the global security governance system and the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation processes, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind that enjoys lasting peace and universal security.

As the sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, the Conference has achieved important outcomes including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Chemical Weapons Convention, making important historical contribution to global peace and security. In the new era, the status and role of the Conference as an important platform for global security governance have become more prominent, and the international community has high expectations on its work. China calls on all member states of the Conference to have in-depth discussions on the traditional agenda items and emerging challenges under the principle of mutual respect and consensus, and to make efforts to revitalize the Conference, seek proper solutions on the basis of undiminished security for all, and achieve universal, sustainable and common security.

China unswervingly follows the path of peaceful development, and is committed to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order. As the first rotating President of the Conference in 2022, China will actively fulfill its duties, play a constructive role, and enhance coordination with other rotating Presidents and member states to contribute its share to revitalizing the Conference.

Wang Yi                 

State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs

The People’s Republic of China     

Beijing, 25 January 2022