The head of a Chinese delegation, speaking at a meeting of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, called on the international community to strengthen global security governance, urging certain countries to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in their national security policies.
Sun Xiaobo, head of the Chinese delegation and director-general of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the statement at the meeting of the UNGA Disarmament and International Security Committee, or the First Committee of the 79th UNGA.
Sun pointed out that over the past few years, some certain countries have continuously enhanced the role of nuclear weapons in their national security policies, investing hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars to upgrade the "nuclear triad" and accelerating the modernization of their nuclear arsenals.
He said these countries have continued to strengthen military alliances, create various discriminatory small circles and promote NATO's extension into the Asia-Pacific region, which has seriously undermined the strategic stability in the region and around the world.
Certain nuclear-weapon states should abolish their arrangements of "nuclear sharing" and "extended deterrence" and withdraw all nuclear weapons deployed abroad to their own territories, Sun stressed, calling on non-nuclear-weapon states under the "nuclear umbrella" to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in their national security and collective security policies.
China urges the relevant countries to stop developing and deploying global anti-missile systems and stop deploying land-based intermediate-range missiles outside their borders or in close proximity to other nuclear-weapon states, he said.
Sun stressed that China has always maintained its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security, while not participating in any arm race, not providing "nuclear umbrella" for any other country, nor deploying nuclear weapons in other countries.
China will not use nuclear weapons to seek hegemony or to intimidate or bully non-nuclear-weapon states, he said, adding that any attempt to distort and smear China's nuclear policy will be futile.
Chinese official urges certain countries to reduce role of nuclear weapons
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
