The Middle East, like any other region in the world, should not be subject to the threat of nuclear weapons, nor should there be double standards on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation Israeli nuclear issue should be given greater attention within the framework of NPT and IAEA, where serious discussions should be held. The sixth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction was held this week at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. China calls upon countries in the region and the Nuclear-Weapons States should take up their due responsibilities and join the process of establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction within the framework of the UN. China is willing to continue to make contributions to striving for the early realization of the goal of establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and promoting lasting peace and security in the Middle East.

China welcomes the IAEA Board of Governors' implementation of the IAEA General Conference resolution, by allowing Palestine to exercise its legitimate rights and participate in the work of the Board. China actively participates in the "Group Friends of Palestine" activities in Vienna and highly commends the positive communication between the IAEA Secretariat and the "Group Friends" regarding technical assistance to Palestine. We hope these efforts will soon benefit the Palestinian people.