China firmly upholds the authority and validity of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun at a regular briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Guo made the statement in response to a media query regarding the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT, which is set to be held from April 27 to May 22 this year.
"On April 17, the Chinese government submitted its national report on the implementation of the treaty to the conference. This is the latest voluntary and transparent measure taken by China, aiming to enhance mutual trust and create a favorable atmosphere for the conference," said Guo.
"The report reaffirms China's highly responsible, consistent and transparent nuclear policy. China adheres to a nuclear strategy of self-defense, abides by the policy of not being the first to use nuclear weapons, always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level necessary for national security, and does not participate in a nuclear arms race, thus injecting stability and certainty into the world," he said.
"China firmly upholds the authority and validity of the NPT. The report emphasizes that all parties should reaffirm their commitment to the principles of 'maintaining global strategic stability' and 'undiminished security for all', and advance nuclear disarmament in a step-by-step manner. It calls for the conclusion of a 'Treaty on No-First Use of Nuclear Weapons', discussions on nuclear transparency and reduction of nuclear risks on a voluntary basis, and effective prevention of nuclear war. The report advocates resolving regional nuclear issues through political and diplomatic means and effectively guaranteeing the right of developing countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," said the spokesman.
China firmly upholds NPT's authority, validity: spokesman
China firmly upholds NPT's authority, validity: spokesman
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained.
Xi made the remarks during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Xi pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Saudi Arabia and has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, Xi said China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to seize this opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, and enhance exchanges at all levels, so as to continuously expand the breadth and depth of bilateral relations and set as an example for advancing relations between China and Arab countries.
On the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xi stressed that China calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and remains committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.
Xi said that the normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community, adding that China supports regional countries in building a common home marked by good-neighborliness, development, security and cooperation, mastering their own future and destiny, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.
Mohammed, for his part, said that Saudi-China relations are strategic and developing relations with China is vital to his country, noting that the current conflict in the Middle East undermines the security of Gulf nations and severely impacts global energy supply and economic operation.
Saudi Arabia, committed to resolving disputes and differences through dialogue, hopes to prevent the situation from escalating, he said, adding that China, as a responsible major country, has consistently upheld fairness and justice and supported good neighborliness, dialogue and cooperation among countries in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China to preserve the current ceasefire, prevent a resurgence of the conflict, ensure the safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and jointly seek ways to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region, said Mohammed.
Xi says normal passage through Strait of Hormuz should be maintained
