(12 March 2026, Geneva)

Mr. President,

Thank you for convening this plenary meeting. We also wish to thank the two panelists for their presentation. At Tuesday’s plenary meeting this week, the Chinese delegation already elaborated on China’s views on cessation of the nuclear arms race. In essence, the key point lies in addressing the root causes and eliminating the underlying drivers of the nuclear arms race. In light of today’s topic, I would like to focus on China’s views on how to advance nuclear disarmament.

First, clarify the goals. All countries should commit themselves to the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. All nuclear-weapon states should publicly commit that they will not seek the permanent possession of nuclear weapons and should conclude a legal instrument on the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are the “Sword of Damocles” hanging over humanity. The complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons serves the common interests of all humankind and represents the shared aspiration of the international community.

Second, adhere to principles. Nuclear disarmament should follow the established principles of “maintaining global strategic stability” and “undiminished security for all”. As pointed out by the 1995 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons(NPT), “Nuclear disarmament is substantially facilitated by the easing of international tension and the strengthening of trust between States.” The Cold War mentality and zero-sum games should be abandoned, and a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security should be embraced. Only by fundamentally addressing the root problems in security concepts can we truly overcome the persistent difficulties in advancing nuclear disarmament.

Third, follow a step-by-step approach. The process of nuclear disarmament should be advanced in a fair, reasonable, rational and pragmatic manner.

1. Those states possessing the largest nuclear arsenals should continue to fulfill their special and primary responsibilities in nuclear disarmament. They should further make substantial and significant reductions on their nuclear arsenals in a verifiable, irreversible and legally-binding manner, thereby creating conditions for other nuclear-weapon States to join the nuclear disarmament process.

2. Adopting a no-first-use policy is a practical measure to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in national security policies and to advance nuclear disarmament. Nuclear-weapon States should reaffirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, and that nuclear weapons should not be used, and conclude a treaty on mutual no-first-use of nuclear weapons, or issue a political statement in this regard. At the same time, they should positively respond to the legitimate concerns of non-nuclear-weapon States regarding security assurances by committing unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States and nuclear-weapon-free zones. The Conference on Disarmament should establish an ad hoc committee as soon as possible to commence negotiations on an international legally-binding instrument providing unconditional negative security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States.

3. To firmly support the purposes and objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty(CTBT). Nuclear-weapon States should adhere to their commitment to the moratorium on nuclear testing, support the development of the verification regime of CTBT, and work together to promote the early entry into force of the treaty.

Fourth, properly address the relationship between nuclear risk reduction and nuclear disarmament. Nuclear disarmament is the most effective way to reduce nuclear risks, and risk-reduction measures cannot replace efforts on nuclear disarmament. Nuclear-weapon States differ significantly in their nuclear capabilities, nuclear policies and security environments; therefore, there are no universally applicable risk-reduction measures. All parties should respect each other's sovereignty as well as their security and development interests, enhance strategic mutual trust, and conduct dialogue and cooperation on a voluntary basis and in accordance with the principle of consensus. At the same time, reducing nuclear risks requires joint efforts by nuclear-weapon States and relevant non-nuclear-weapon States, especially those participating in nuclear-sharing and extended deterrence arrangements.

Mr. President,

Revitalizing multilateral disarmament mechanisms is an important guarantee for sustainable advancement of the nuclear disarmament process. At present, key multilateral arms control and disarmament mechanisms—such as the Conference on Disarmament, the Disarmament Commission, the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, and the review process of NPT—are facing serious challenges. China calls on all parties to engage in full consultation on the basis of mutual respect for each other's security concerns, seek common ground while reserving differences, and work together to revitalize multilateral disarmament mechanisms, thereby providing guarantees for promoting the nuclear disarmament process.

The international nuclear arms control and security governance have entered a critical stage. The 11th Review Conference of NPT will take place soon. China stands ready to work with the international community to actively practice the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and the four global initiatives, jointly promote substantive outcomes at the 11th NPT Review Conference, and advance in a balanced manner the three pillars of NPT: nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in order to safeguard world peace and security.

Thank you, Mr. President.