China calls for integrated solution to enhance WMD non-proliferation: envoy

A Chinese envoy to the UN on Monday called for an integrated approach to enhance the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

"Prevention of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery is of critical importance to regional and global security," said Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN at a Security Council meeting.

The 15-member UN body held open consultations on the Comprehensive Review of the 1540 Committee on Nonproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Wu warned that non-proliferation remains of serious international concerns.

"Historical grievance, territorial disputes, ethnic clashes, security concerns as well as terrorism, have compounded the complexity and difficulty for the search of a solution," he said.

The envoy stressed that all parties should adopt "an integrated approach in addressing both the symptoms and root causes of the question."

He held that universal security is the fundamental goal of the international efforts to promote non-proliferation, adding that balance and justice are the basic principles that should guide all efforts.

"While countries are required to honour their obligation for non-proliferation, they have the right to the peaceful use of the fruits of scientific and technological development. Unilateralism, double standards, discriminatory practices should all be rejected," said he.

The envoy noted that China stands resolutely against any WMD proliferation and their means of delivery, adding that China supports the UN in playing it due role.

China has submitted to the committee its national report of implementation and has been an active participant in the work of the committee. In September 2015, China hosted a training course for the 1540 Points of Contact in the Asia-Pacific region, which has played a positive role in strengthening the capacity building of the Asia-Pacific countries in implementing the resolution.

The UN Security Council in 2004 unanimously adopted Resolution 1540 under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter which affirms that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery constitutes a threat to international peace and security.

Since the establishment of the 1540 committee, member states are obliged to ensure strong measures are taken against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Enditem