The Convention against Transnational Organized Crime provides a platform for countries to jointly combat transnational crime. Since its entry into force in 2003, the CTOC has facilitated exchanges and cooperation among countries in the field of combating transnational crime. Through the joint efforts of countries, the various mechanisms under the convention have gradually been implemented and provisions of the convention continually enriched by successful practices in the implementation of the convention.The convention, now with 146 states parties, gives the international community the legal basis for international cooperation in this area, a development which is encouraging. At the same time, we should be fully aware that transnational crime is diversifying and globalizing at an alarming rate, posing an ever greater threat to the international community. Only by making full use of the convention platform and earnestly fulfilling their convention obligations will countries be able to effectively halt the spread of transnational crime and maintain harmony and development worldwide.

Over the past few years, the secretariat of the convention has done a large amount of meaningful work toward the implementation of the convention, for which the Chinese government commends the secretariat. We should also acknowledge, however, that institution- and capacity-building in combating transnational crime still has a long way to go, successful cases of extradition, MLA and asset recovery based on the convention remain few and cooperation in the technical assistance area has yet to yield notable results. The huge potential of the convention remains to be tapped.

In my delegation’s view, international cooperation is always the focus and priority of implementation work. It is also an important means to realize the potential of the convention and should be central to the work of this COP and to future implementation efforts in states parties. To strengthen international cooperation, I believe we should:

First, respect differences and build mutual trust.

Our common mandate to combat transnational crime requires us to transcend our differences in political system, legal tradition and ideology. Countries should, on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit, have dialog, build common understanding and increase the political will for cooperation through various channels. Different levels of economic development, legal systems and implementation capacities should not become obstacles to cooperation among states parties. Countries should proceed from the overall interests of combating transnational crime and building a harmonious world to responsibly examine and solve issues bearing on the implementation of the convention, effectively move forward the international cooperation process based on the convention and translate our solemn commitments made when ratifying the convention into concrete action to implement the convention.

Second, focus on priority and support developing countries

The COP should, in light of actual needs for the implementation of the convention in states parties, give high priority and full support to international cooperation in extradition, confiscation of proceeds of crime and technical assistance. In the process of international cooperation in various fields, emphasis should be placed on meeting the needs of developing countries and assisting them in capacity-building, with no strings attached.

Third, base ourselves on the convention and proceed step by step

The fight against transnational crime is a complex systems engineering undertaking. While emphasis is placed on international cooperation, implementation in other specific areas also needs to move ahead in a balanced manner to avoid gaps and lacunae. Various activities should all be based on the convention and guided by actual needs in states parties. On the review of implementation, we should uphold the supreme authority of the COP, give the role of the secretariat full play, carefully examine the necessity of creating supplementary mechanism and oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of implementation review.

Pursuant to its philosophy of constructing a harmonious society, the Chinese government has, from the beginning, been fulfilling its obligations under the convention actively, earnestly and fully by taking the necessary legislative, administrative and judicial measures, improving its domestic legislation, intensifying law enforcement and actively conducting international cooperation.

Since the last COP, China has continued to align its domestic legislation with the convention. The anti-money laundering law of the PRC, which took effect on 1.1.2007, instituted China’s anti-money laundering supervisory and regulatory regime, defined the responsibilities of various departments, expanded the subjects of anti-money laundering obligations from financial institutions to specified non-financial institutions and established the fundamental principles governing international cooperation in countering money-laundering. On 28.06.2007, China joined FATF, another milestone in China’s efforts to counter money-laundering and in international cooperation against terrorist financing.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to combating trafficking in persons. China’s action plan against trafficking in women and children for 2008-2012 formulated in December 2007 establishes a national anti-trafficking mechanism, lays out the overall objectives, strategic measures and organizational guarantees of anti-trafficking work in the next five years. As an important part of implementing the plan, the Chinese government is actively considering acceding to the protocol against human trafficking.

Actively carrying out international cooperation in combating transnational crime, the Chinese government has to date concluded 102 MLA-type treaties with 58 countries, 79 of which already in force. China has set up a law enforcement cooperation mechanism with the USA, conducted fruitful international cooperation with other states parties and accumulated considerable successful experience. China is ready to step up exchange, share experience and deepen cooperation with more countries in a joint effort to advance the international fight against transnational crime.