China firmly supports the establishment of a Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said on Monday, noting that it is significant to promoting regional peace and stability.
Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, the spokesman, made the statement at a press conference in Beijing in commenting on the recent remarks made by Philippines' Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to question about China's support of the Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone. He said that China must denuclearize first to show that it genuinely supports a nuclear weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia.
"The establishment of a Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone holds significant importance to strengthening the international non-proliferation regime and promoting regional peace and stability, as it safeguards the fundamental security interests of ASEAN member states. China firmly supports the [Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone] Treaty and has explicitly stated its willingness to be among the first to sign the treaty's protocol," Jiang said.
"China adheres to a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons and has pledged unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China is the only nuclear-weapon state to have made such a commitment. China's nuclear capabilities and policies are an important contribution to world peace, which has been widely recognized by the international community," said the spokesman.
China firmly supports establishing Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone: spokesman
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
