Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

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The NPT PrepCom 2003: Acronym Special Coverage

Regional Issues

Statement by China, May 2

'Statement by the Chinese Delegation to the 2nd PrepCom for 2005 NPT RevCon on Regional Issues, 2 May 2003, Geneva'; Chinese Mission to the UN in Geneva, http://www.china-un.ch/eng/index.html.

DPRK Issue

China stands for maintaining the nuclear-weapon-free status of the Korean Peninsular, safeguarding peace and stability on the peninsular and resolving the DPRK nuclear issue peacefully through negotiation. China is not in favour of DPRK's withdrawal from NPT and meanwhile believes that the legitimate security concerns of DPRK should be addressed.

A few days ago, China, the United States and DPRK held talks in Beijing. The parties stated their positions and propositions on the DPRK nuclear issue, enhanced their mutual understanding, expressed the desire for a peaceful resolution and agreed to keep in touch on continued talks through diplomatic channels.

The DPRK nuclear issue is complex and sensitive. It is our hope that the Beijing talks will be a beginning towards peacefully resolving the DPRK nuclear issue. We also hope that the US and DPRK will exercise restraint and demonstrate sincerity and flexibility.

Middle East Issue

China has all along supported the Middle East peace process and the efforts to establish a zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in the region. On this question, China's position is as follows:

The Middle East issue should be resolved in a spirit of reconciliation. The United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, should be supported in playing an active role in this regard. Parties concerned should earnestly carry out the agreements and common understanding reached on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace".

The initiatives and efforts of countries in the region to establish a Middle East zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction should be supported. Practical measures must be taken to promote the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in accordance with relevant UN General Assembly resolutions and the Resolution on the Middle East adopted at the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference.

Israel's accession to the NPT and the placement of all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards are very important to realize the goal of universal adherence to the NPT in the Middle East.

According to the provisions of the Final Document of the NPT2000 Review Conference, the Chinese Delegation has presented to the present PrepCom a national report on measures taken by the Chinese Government in promoting the establishment of a Middle East nuclear-weapon-free zone.

China welcomes and supports the official release of the "road map" on April 30th, hoping that Palestine and Israel can seize the favorable opportunity by taking effective measures and actively coordinate peace making efforts of parties interested to implement the plan at an early date so that the question of Palestine can be solved at an early date and lasting peace and stability can prevail in the Middle East.

China stands ready to work together with the international community in continued effort for an early establishment of a Middle East zone free nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

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© 2003 The Acronym Institute.