UN Security Council adopts resolution on Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to call on all states to refrain from conducting any nuclear weapon test explosion, meanwhile commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Open for signature on Sept. 24, 1996, the legally binding CTBT is a multi-lateral treaty by which states agree to ban all nuclear explosions.

"Over the past 20 years, nuclear test ban has become a common understanding of the international community," said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, after the council voted on the resolution.

"The adoption by the council today of this resolution is of great significance for commemorating the opening for signature of the treaty, reaffirming the purpose of nuclear test ban and advance an early entry into force of the treaty," he added.

"China has consistently stood for complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons," said Liu, noting that China has made the commitment of no first use of nuclear weapons and has undertaken unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones.

"China was among the first countries that signed the CTBT," he said. "We have been steadfast in maintaining the object and purpose of the treaty and abiding by our nuclear test moratorium commitment."

"We will continue to work with all sides to push for early entry into force of the treaty and make unremitting effort for the realization of the comprehensive prohibition and total destruction of nuclear weapons," he added. Endit