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.
China firmly supports ATT to improve global governance of arms trade: ambassador
China firmly supports ATT to improve global governance of arms trade: ambassador
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a non-binding resolution on Wednesday demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months by an overwhelming margin.
The resolution was adopted with 124 votes in favor, 14 against and 43 abstentions, during the UNGA's 10th emergency special session considering Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The resolution demanding that Israel comply with all its legal obligations under international law, including advisory opinions by the International Court of Justice, was introduced by the State of Palestine on Tuesday and was co-sponsored by more than two dozen nations.
By the newly adopted resolution, the UNGA "demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution."
The UNGA also demands that Israel comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law, including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice.
In remarks before the vote, Mohamed Issa Abushahab, the permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza must be addressed through unimpeded access to those in need, a ceasefire deal and the full implementation of all related Security Council resolutions.
A credible peace process must be relaunched to work towards a two-State solution to diffuse this conflict, he said, expressing support for the State of Palestine's full statehood and UN membership. "The time has come to end the suffering," he noted.
Introducing the draft resolution on Tuesday, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, called for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He said the Palestinian people have been steadfast in the pursuit of their inalienable rights, just like all other citizens worldwide who seek self-determination.
"The Palestinians want to live, not survive -- they want to be safe in their homes, they want their children to go to school without fear. They want to be free in reality as they are in spirit," said Mansour.
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
UNGA calls for end to Israeli occupation in Palestine within a year
