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
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that China has the credibility and goodwill to help broker a lasting peace in the Middle East, and expects it to play a bigger role in the region's peace process.
Araghchi visited China from Dec 27 to 28, 2024, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on Dec 28, Araghchi shared his thoughts on China's emerging role as a mediator in the Middle East, including its efforts to broker a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
On March 10, 2023, in a joint statement released with China in Beijing, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced that they had reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions within two months, marking a milestone in the thawing of their relations.
"It has been more than a year (since the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran). The biggest achievement may be that Iran and Saudi Arabia have started a good process of restoring relations, and both sides are satisfied with the restoration of relations. The restoration of relations has brought benefits to both sides, and this (trend) is still continuing. The two sides have established a good relationship, and (related efforts) are still continuing. Of course, there is still a lot of untapped potential in Iran-Saudi relations, and the restoration of relations between the two countries is a gradual, slow but continuous process. We thank China for its efforts in this regard, and we know that China's help is full of goodwill and the effect is very good," said Araghchi. Araghchi also shared his expectations for China's role in the Middle East peace process in the future.
"We trust China, and we see China's goodwill. China maintains extensive economic and trade relations with all countries in the region, and maintains good and constructive relations with all countries. China is a respected and trustworthy country. I believe that such credibility can allow China to play a political role in the Middle East to help regional countries resolve differences and help them find a peaceful solution. Iran thanks China for its contribution and is willing to continue to cooperate with China," he said.
Iranian FM expects China to play bigger role in Middle East peace process
