Madam Chair,
The Chinese delegation has taken note of the latest report on "Applicationof IAEA Safeguards in the Middle East" submitted by the DG. China has always supported the strengthening of the universality, authority and effectiveness of the NPT and the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East (MENWFZ). We believe that the effective implementation of the GC resolution on "Implementation of IAEA Safeguards in the Middle East" will contribute to the efforts of the international community to promote the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.
China calls on all countries in the Middle East region to earnestly fulfil their NPT obligations by signing and ratifying comprehensive safeguards agreements as soon as possible. Countries that have not yet done so should join the NPT as non-nuclear-weapon States without delay and place all their nuclear facilities under Agency's comprehensive safeguards.
Madam Chair,
The establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East is conducive to curbing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, easing tensions in the Middle East, and promoting regional and world peace and security. According to decision of the UN General Assembly, the first Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction was held in New York in November 2019, which started international process of relevant discussions. In November this year, the second session of the Conference will be held again in New York. China hopes that the United States will shoulder its due responsibilities, attend the meeting and play its due role for the success of the meeting.
China has always actively supported the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, voted in favour of relevant UN General Assembly resolutions and decisions for many years and actively participated in relevant international processes. We are willing to work with countries concerned and make unremitting efforts to achieve this goal.
Thank you, Madam Chair.