Madam Chair,

China aligns itself with the statement by Kenya on behalf of G77 and China under this item. We thank the Co-Chairs of the Working Group on the Regular Budget and Technical Cooperation Fund Targets, Ambassador Rapulane MOLEKANE from South Africa and Ambassador Barbara CULLINANE from Ireland, for their proposal. We recognize efforts by the Director General and the Secretariat to draft the Program and Budget 2026-2027, and appreciate the constructive and flexible approach taken by all parties in order to reach agreement as soon as possible.

At the May PBC session, we clearly expressed our support for the Agency’s work and the first draft budget. Over the past month, we maintained active communication with Co-Chairs, the secretariat and relevant Member States to advance consultations. We’d underscore our willingness to demonstrate flexibility and join consensus on the new proposal, so as to ensure normal functioning of the Agency. We encourage continued transparency and inclusiveness in the consultation process, and we urge relevant Member States to return to the right path of constructive and cooperative participation in decision-making.

Madam Chair,

China always paid the contributions and Technical Cooperation Fund in a full and timely manner, and calls upon all countries, in particular major contributors, to pay their assessed contributions and TCF according to the political commitments and responsibilities. We urge the Secretariat make good use of the resources provided by Member States, including China, make further efficiency savings and ensure all expenditures comply with relevant rules. We urge the secretariat make concerted efforts with Member States, and in particular, listen to the views of developing countries, so as to focus more on promotional activities which benefit developing countries and advance “Atom for Global South”.

Thank you, chair.