Mr. Chairman:

China has noted that the US representative specifically questioned China's developing country status and opposed China obtaining support through technical cooperation. China is exercising its right to respond.

China is the world's second-largest economy and the second-largest contributor to the IAEA's Regular Budget and Technical Cooperation Fund(TCF). At the same time, China's status as the world's largest developing country remains unchanged, supported by ample factual evidence and solid international law. The Chinese government has repeatedly emphasized that China remains a developing country. This is a fundamental aspect of China's national condition.

Whether China is a developing country is not for certain country to decide. China opposes any politically motivated interference in China's developing country status.

Mr. Chairman,

China has consistently and actively supported and participated in IAEA Technical Cooperation Projects(TCP). This is an important means for the IAEA to help member states, especially the vast Global South, enhance their technical capabilities and promote socio-economic development. China has consistently paid TCF contributions on time and in full. However, China used less than 4% of its TCF contributions, primarily for expenses such as expert visits and personnel exchanges with other member countries. Furthermore, China has invested substantial resources in TCPs jointly undertaken with the IAEA, far exceeding the support received from the TCF. China has accumulated successful experience, advanced technologies, and management concepts in the implementation of IAEA TCPs, and shares these with member states through TCPs to promote the common progress of nuclear energy in the Global South.

Mr. Chairman,

China urges certain country to cease politicizing TCPs and hopes that relevant country will adopt a responsible attitude, focus on the IAEA's core responsibility of promoting nuclear energy and technology, fulfill their obligations to pay dues and TCF contributions on time and in full, and provide more support to developing countries, especially those in the Global South. At the same time, China emphasizes that the IAEA's Statute and technical standards should be respected, and no political restrictions should be attached to the use of TCF contributions, thus limiting member states' rights to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and technology.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.