China expresses regret over amendments not being fully reflected in UN resolution on illicit small weapons trade

China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, Wang Min on Friday reiterated China's firm stand against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, saying it's regrettable that "relevant amendments have not been fully reflected in the text."

Wang made the statement at the Security Council after he abstained from voting on a draft resolution on tackling the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.

"Tackling the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons is of great significance for maintaining great peace and stability and promoting the normal social and economic development of the countries concerned," he said, adding that the Security Council should play an active role in further strengthening the efforts of the international community in combating the illicit trade.

According to Wang, the Chinese delegation took part in consultations on resolution 2220 (2015) in a positive and constructive spirit. During the consultations, some members, especially the three African members, raised some important amendments which were legitimate and highly valid. "The consultations should have further heeded the views of all sides and sought to solve differences so as to reach a text that can enjoy the unanimous support of the whole council," Wang said.

The resolution urging stronger cooperation in stemming the " illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse" of small arms and light weapons was adopted by the Security Council Friday by a vote of nine in favor to none against, with six abstentions. Enditem