Statement by the Chinese Delegation at the IAEA Board of Governor Meeting on Agenda Item Israeli Nuclear Capabilities

(16 September 2010, Vienna)

Mr. Chairman,

We have noted the reports on Israeli nuclear capabilities and on application of safeguards in the Middle East recently submitted by the Director General.

China has always supported the strengthening of international nuclear non-proliferation regime and has been committed to promoting the universality, effectiveness and integrity of the NPT. China supports the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East and advocates that Israel join the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon state and place all its nuclear facilities under IAEA comprehensive safeguards.  Meanwhile, all states in the region shall earnestly fulfill their obligations under the NPT, sign and ratify IAEA comprehensive safeguards agreement and its additional protocol.

China supports the Director General's efforts for achieving the objectives set out in relevant GC resolutions and will continue to support related work of the DG and the Agency.

Mr. Chairman,

The final document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference recommends the holding in 2012 of an international conference on the Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. China welcomes this recommendation and hopes that the parties concerned make joint efforts in facilitating positive outcomes out of that conference. China supports the Agency and the Director General to play due roles in this regard.

China will continue to work with the international community to make contributions to the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East and to peace and security in the Middle East.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.