Mr. President,

China congratulates you on assuming the Presidency of the Eleventh Conference of the States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty(ATT) and commends the thoughtful arrangements made by the Secretariat for the Conference. We assure you of our close cooperation with you and all delegations to ensure the success of the Conference.

The international landscape is complex and fluid, and the peace and security face unprecedented challenges. The special role of the ATT in regulating conventional arms trade and promoting global security governance is becoming increasingly prominent. China advocates the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, the coordination of development and security, and has always been active in the global arms trade governance and promoting the treaty’s universality and effectiveness through concrete actions. Since joining the treaty five years ago, China has fully fulfilled its obligations, paid its assessed contributions on time as the largest contributor, faithfully performed its duties as a member of the Management Committee, and made due contributions to the effective operation of the treaty mechanism.

China firmly supports the purpose and objective of the treaty, adopts a prudent and responsible approach on arms trade, and continuously improves its domestic legal and regulatory system for arm export control. China has established and strictly follows the three principles of arms exports: i) conducive to the legitimate self-defense capability of the recipient country; ii) not undermining peace, security and stability of the region concerned and the world as a whole; iii) non-interference in the internal affairs of the recipient country. China only engages with sovereign states on arms trade and cooperation, and does not sell arms to non-state actors, which even goes beyond the provisions of the treaty.

Mr. President,

The global arms trade governance is facing numerous challenges. Unilateralism and the Cold War mentality are on the rise. Policies prioritizing one’s own interests, withdrawal from treaties and violation of commitments are becoming common. The global military spending level and the scale of the international arms trade continues to grow, and the risk of illicit transfer and misuse of arms increases dramatically. Certain countries recklessly supply weapons into conflict zones and even use them as a tool to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Such practices severely undermine the international arms trade order and run counter to the purpose of the treaty. To enable the treaty to play a better role in the future, China proposes the following:

First, practice multilateralism to enhance the universality of the treaty. All countries’ security is interdependent, and only through cooperation can we fundamentally address the scourge of illicit arms transfer. In this regard, major countries should set an example. China supports the President’s proposal of “ Universalization as a Priority”. We welcome the ratification or accession of Colombia, Gambia and Malawi to the treaty and call on all non-States Parties, particularly major arms trading states, to join the treaty at an early date.

Second, strengthen the sense of responsibility and uphold the authority of the treaty. All states should uphold the authority of the ATT as the sole legal instrument regulating the global conventional arms trade under the UN framework. We should improve domestic policies and laws, and enhance control capabilities in keeping with the purpose and obligations of the treaty. A responsible attitude must be observed throughout the entire arms trade process. States should actively consider refraining from exporting arms to non-state actors. China is opposed to the politicization and instrumentalization of arms trade, interfering in other countries’ internal affairs or imposing discriminatory restrictions in the name of the treaty, as well as irresponsible disinformation.

Third, improve the implementation mechanism to enhance the effectiveness of the treaty. States Parties should faithfully, fully and effectively implement the treaty by fulfilling financial and reporting obligations, making good use of the treaty’s platform and resources for exchange of experience and deepening practical cooperation. State Parties should help developing countries through financial and technical support to bridge the gap in implementation capabilities. Building on these, efforts should be made to promote interaction and coordination between the ATT and other relevant UN mechanisms to form greater synergy.

Looking forward to the second decade of the treaty, China will continue to implement the Global Security Initiative, serve as a staunch defender, faithful practitioner and proactive promoter of the treaty. China stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard the outcome in the development of the treaty and advance the global arms trade governance.