China has firmly supported the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in its work with other States Parties to regulate the trade in conventional arms and improve global governance of the arms trade, said Shen Jian, Chinese Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs, on Monday in Geneva.
In the general debate speech at the 10th Conference of States Parties (CSP10) to the ATT, Shen pointed out that as the only legally binding instrument within the UN framework regulating global conventional arms trade, the ATT plays a special role in maintaining world peace and stability and promoting global security governance.
China's formal accession to the treaty in 2020 fully demonstrates its sincerity and determination in upholding the global governance system, supporting multilateralism, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.
Shen emphasized that China has always been a firm supporter, faithful doer, and active contributor to the treaty on global governance of the arms trade. On issues related to the arms trade, China consistently adopts a cautious and responsible attitude, establishing a comprehensive system of policies and regulations for military exports and strictly adhering to the three principles of export of military products, the ambassador said, adding that China opposes adding fuel to the fire in regional conflicts, as well as politicizing or instrumentalizing the arms trade or the treaty itself.
China is willing to work hand in hand with the international community to continuously enhance the authority and vitality of the treaty, making new contributions to achieving global common security and lasting peace, he said.
The Arms Trade Treaty was adopted by the UN General Assembly on April 2, 2013 and entered into force on Dec. 24, 2014. As of now, the treaty has a total of 115 States Parties.