Distinguished Co-President, Colleagues,

Nuclear security is a matter concerning international peace and security and the healthy development of nuclear energy. All countries should effectively fulfil their national responsibilities and relevant international obligations on nuclear security, fully implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, consolidate and develop the existing legal framework for nuclear security, and provide institutional safeguards and universally-followed guiding principles for international nuclear security efforts. China calls on more countries to actively consider ratifying the CPPNM and its Amendment to curb acts of nuclear terrorism.

China is of the view that, while stressing the fulfillment of relevant international obligations by countries, their rights should also be respected in terms of adopting the most suitable country-specific nuclear security policies and initiatives and protecting sensitive information on nuclear security. We need to pragmatically adhere to the principle of fairness and advance the international nuclear security process in a positive and steady manner.

China supports the Agency in continuing to provide assistance to Member States on technical or legal challenges to the implementation of the amendment to the CPPNM through INSSP, IPPAS and other means of peer review and legislative assistance and stands ready to continue to strengthen cooperation and share experiences with the Agency and Member States and jointly promote the effective implementation and universalization of the CPPNM and its amendment in all countries.

China believes that under the current circumstances, the preamble, the entire operative part and the annexes of the revised the CPPNM remain adequate. China appreciates the efforts made by the Agency over the years in formulating, improving and promoting the recommendations, guidelines and technical guidance in Nuclear Security Series, which have played an important guiding role of providing reference to Member States in continuously improving the nuclear security regime, strengthening nuclear security measures and enhancing their ability to respond to various traditional and emerging nuclear security threats.

As one of the most important conventions in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security, the Amendment to the CPPNM is the foundation underpinning the international nuclear security system and global nuclear security governance. China values the outcome and consensus achieved at this Conference of the Parties and supports the convening of the next COP on the premise that the conditions contained the provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 16 of the Amendment to the CPPNM are met, so as to review the implementation and adequacy of the Amendment to CPPNM at an appropriate time in the light of the emerging technological developments and changes in security threats, and to strengthen the foundation of the international nuclear security system and global nuclear security governance.

Thank you, Co-President!