August 9, 2023, Vienna International Center

Mr. Chair, 

At the meeting of the Working Group on further strengthening the review process of the NPT, which was held two weeks ago, many views and proposals were put forward by delegations, and many new and different ideas emerged in the discussions. Such interactive discussions will help all parties understand further different views and positions and explore the rationality and feasibility of relevant ideas. This is of positive significance for NPT States parties to further study and discuss the strengthening of the review process of the Treaty. 

Through the Working Group’s work in the past five days, I believe that all parties have understood better that various positions and proposals on strengthening the treaty review process need to be explored further in future’s review process. That the parties failed to reach an agreement is not only the result of different perspectives in observing and understanding international situation, differences in the positions and ideas, still less political will. More importantly, many challenges facing the NPT’s three pillars are in themselves diverse, complex, and unprecedented. Progress in strengthening the review process will only be possible on the premise of continuing in-depth discussions on all relevant issues. Standing at the new starting point of the NPT review process, States parties should agree on at least the following three points: 

First, the status and role of the NPT regime is irreplaceable. All States parties should work together to uphold and strengthen the authority, effectiveness and universality of the NPT. Second, the object and purpose of the NPT must be upheld. The treaty’s three pillars are equally important and must be advanced in a balanced manner. Third, all parties should endeavor to continue full and in-depth discussions of the views, propositions and suggestions on strengthening the review process. China believes that adherence to the above three-point consensus is crucial for the NPT States parties to be united and work together to safeguard the NPT mechanism and strengthen the review process. China suggests that the above consensus be fully reflected in the record of the meeting. 

The Chinese delegation has participated actively in the meetings over the past two weeks in a serious, responsible and pragmatic manner. Whether in the Working Group or the Preparatory Committee session, we have comprehensively shared our views on the reality and serious challenges facing the three pillars of the NPT, and on how to maintain and promote the three pillars in a balanced manner. China’s comprehensive views have been fully reflected in our working papers and written statements.

For example, during this Preparatory Committee session, we submitted three working papers. Among them, the working paper on nuclear risk reduction has been highly valued and commended by some delegations, and the other two working papers are on the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation and the disposal of nuclear contaminated water of Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, both of which also represent important propositions of China on promoting the three pillars of the NPT. During the Working Group meeting, we also submitted two working papers, one of which comprehensively elaborated on China’s views and proposals on strengthening the review process, and the other proposed important amendments on the Chair’s working paper (NPT/CONF.2026/PC.I /WP.34). It is our hope that these contributions from the Chinese delegation, together with other proposals put forward by all other parties, will constitute the basis for the discussions in future review process.

Mr. Chair,

I would like to emphasize that China firmly upholds the NPT and has never shied away from its obligations to fully implement the Treaty. We will continue to actively participate in and work with all NPT members, including the five nuclear-weapon States, to strengthen the review process of the treaty in a highly responsible attitude towards international peace and security, the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, the common interests of all NPT States parties, and the legitimate security interests of our own country.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.