China affirms its permanent adherence to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime

Beijing, (ST) – Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Wednesday reiterated his country’s firm adherence to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Commenting on the conclusion of the first preparatory meeting for the Eleventh Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in Vienna, Wang Wenbin said in a press conference: China adheres to the policy of no-first-use nuclear weapons, as its possession has never been for the purpose of seeking hegemony, but to deter nuclear war.

He stressed that his country firmly adheres to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, opposes placing geopolitical interests above it, and actively promotes international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, emphasizing that peaceful use cannot be at the expense of the natural environment and human health.

He added that China will continue to be guided by a series of major initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and others, and work with the international community to further enhance the universality, authority and effectiveness of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to respond to the complex and interrelated challenges of international security and development.

He said the treaty is the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, and China has always firmly upheld the purposes and objectives of the treaty.

Nada Haj Khidr