China calls for eliminating root cause of WMDs proliferation

Faced with new challenges of non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the international community should eliminate the root cause of proliferation and take a balanced approach to address security and development, said a Chinese envoy here Tuesday.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a Security Council session, in which the 15-member body heard a briefing by the chair of the Security Council Committee overseeing the implementation of Resolution 1540.

The resolution, adopted in 2004, urges all states to refrain from providing any form of support to non-State actors that attempt to develop, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.

"Currently, the international non-proliferation process is faced with new and complex situation. More non-State actors are engaging in proliferation activities," noted Wang, adding that there is a long way to go in terms of international non-proliferation efforts.

Wang said countries should be committed to implement Resolution 1540 in a comprehensive and balanced manner to prevent non-State actors, especially terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and to step up international security.

A non-State actor refers to an individual or entity, not acting under the lawful authority of any State in conducting activities which fall within the scope of this resolution.

Also on Tuesday, the Security Council, in a press statement, asked its member states to actively engage in the comprehensive review of the implementation of Resolution 1540.

According to the council, the review started on April 28 and must be completed no later than Nov. 30, 2016.

"China hopes that through the review process, countries will develop a sense of urgency for the implementation of resolution and promote the committee in playing out an even more important role in international cooperation, assistance and other areas," said Wang. Endi