The representative of China called for resolutely opposing the use of arms exports to serve geopolitical self-interest.

　　Xinhua News Agency, United Nations, April 10 (Reporter Wang Jiangang) Geng Shuang, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, on the 10th called on the international community to resolutely oppose the use of arms exports to serve geopolitical self-interest, stressing the need to pay close attention to the impact of arms exports on the conflict itself and the post-conflict situation.

　　Geng Shuang said at the Security Council’s open debate on the export of weapons and equipment that China calls on all countries, especially military powers, to fulfill their international obligations, adopt a responsible arms export policy, and stop using arms exports to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. A military power implements a loose arms export management system and transfers military products to non-state actors for a long time. In 2022, the country’s total arms exports accounted for nearly 40% of the world, which can be described as a monopoly. The country cooperated with foreign countries in nuclear submarines and transferred weapons-grade highly enriched uranium. The country reneged on the commitments made in the diplomatic communiqué, challenged the sovereignty of other countries, connived at separatist forces and escalated arms sales. All these are creating confrontation, exporting turmoil, promoting geo-strategy and provoking tensions, which must be resisted.

　　Geng Shuang stressed that it is necessary to pay close attention to the impact of the export of weapons and equipment on the conflict itself and the post-conflict situation. The continued illegal flow of conventional weapons into war-torn conflict areas is tantamount to adding fuel to the fire, which will only lead to the intensification of the war and the protracted problem. The tragedies in Afghanistan and Iraq show that the problem of importing weapons into conflict areas must be handled in a more responsible manner, especially the end-user and end-use certification system should be effectively implemented.

　　Geng Shuang said that we should vigorously promote the construction of a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture. Last April, China’s leaders put forward the Global Security Initiative, which pointed out the direction for the conventional arms control process and the export control of weapons and equipment. Countries, especially military powers, should take the lead in setting an example, keep in mind the concept of peaceful cooperation, abandon the cold war mentality and zero-sum thinking, attach importance to each other’s legitimate security concerns, strive to maintain global military balance and strategic stability, and jointly contribute positive energy to promoting world and regional peace and stability.

　　Geng Shuang said that it is necessary to effectively implement the legal instruments and institutional arrangements for the conventional arms control process. Member States should actively support the role of the United Nations as the main channel in the field of conventional arms control, faithfully and comprehensively fulfill their treaty obligations, enhance the universality and effectiveness of relevant treaties, make full use of and constantly improve relevant mechanisms, and effectively strengthen arms export control.

　　Geng Shuang said that China has always adopted a prudent and responsible attitude in arms export, and only conducts conventional arms trade cooperation with sovereign countries and does not provide weapons to non-state actors. China is willing to work with the international community to continue to make unremitting efforts to build a world of lasting peace and universal security and to promote the building of a community of human destiny.