The 3rd Training Course for the 1540 Points of Contact in the Asia-Pacific Region, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the United Nations Security Council 1540 Committee and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, was launched on October 21 in Xiamen, Fujian Province.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China

Fu Cong, Director General of the Department of Arms Control of Foreign Ministry, delivered a keynote speech at the opening session. He said proliferation of WMD and its means of delivery constitute a major challenge for the international community. To tackle such global challenge, it is indispensable to pursue multilateralism under the guidance of the UN and with the solidarity of all UN member states. 

International non-proliferation system should be improved by strengthening international treaties including the NPT and establishing an open and inclusive global non-proliferation export control mechanism, so as to ensure all countries can enjoy the benefits of the peaceful uses of science and technology while promoting the goal of non-proliferation.

Fu pointed out that the United States, out of its selfish geopolitical interest, is trying to re-introduce political ideology into the field of arms control and non-proliferation. Attempts are being made to even resuscitate the Cold War era specter of COCOM under the name of “Coalitions of Caution” for export control, aimed at hampering normal international technology exchanges and cooperation, through technological decoupling. 

In this regard, Fu emphasized that in the face of widespread security threats, no country can be safe on its own, and the global endeavor of non-proliferation won’t be effective without international cooperation. Export control should neither be a disguise for trade barriers nor a tool for unilateral bullying. The international community should join hands to uphold multilateralism and oppose the wrongdoings of the US.

Fu also discussed China’s practice and achievements in non-proliferation. He stressed that China is firmly against the proliferation of WMD and its means of delivery. This is a strategic decision China has made, which stems from its fundamental interests and for the sake of the future of mankind. It is also consistent with the path of peaceful development China is pursuing and the building of a community of shared future for mankind. China will not deviate from the overall objective of non-proliferation, nor will it scale down its non-proliferation efforts.

The UN Security Council adopted resolution 1540 in April 2004, requiring all member states to prevent proliferation activities by non-state actors. National Points of Contact have been established in this connection. The UN Security Council will review the implementation of the resolution in 2021.

China was the first country to host training courses for national Points of Contact, which is of much significance to the implementation of resolution 1540 in the region. This training course will focus on how to improve international non-proliferation system, implement the resolution and strengthen national non-proliferation capacity building. Representatives from 18 Asia-pacific countries, the IAEA, OPCW, UNODC, WHO, WCO, NSG, MTCR and other international organizations and mechanisms participated in the course.