The P5 conference on nuclear non-proliferation concluded in Beijing on April 15, with China reaffirming its five proposals to improve global nuclear governance. Hosted for the first time by China, the two-day P5 conference was attended by delegations from the group’s member states, namely China, the US, Russia, the UK and France.

Since China’s new leadership took office, the government’s fundamental position on the nuclear issue has remained unchanged. China still views nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy as three main pillars in global nuclear governance. It supports the properly handling of relations between these three aspects with balanced progress.

In recent years, China has taken greater initiative in the international security process. President Xi Jinping outlined China’s standpoint on nuclear security at the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands. At the conference, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong put forward five proposals to enhance global nuclear governance: universal security is the fundamental goal of global nuclear governance; the leading role of the P5 states is a major driving force for global nuclear governance; a multilateral mechanism is key to global nuclear governance; balanced progress and consensus are basic principles; and broad participation is a critical guarantee for global nuclear governance.

The proposals reflect China’s deep understanding of the nuclear security process and its unique role within it.

China believes problems can be resolved at their origin. Lack of common security has emerged as a fundamental cause for difficulties and challenges related to international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in recent years. With distrust among countries hard to eliminate and regional conflicts common in the modern age, many countries have inevitably sought to use military force as an important tool for achieving national security strategy. Furthermore, some countries won’t abandon their aspirations for developing nuclear power. China will therefore actively promote understanding and mutual trust, and be committed to eliminating contradictions and conflicts to lay a stable foundation for global nuclear governance.

Adhering to fairness and justice, China will play the role of a responsible big power. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the P5 states should play a bigger role in the nuclear field. They should not only bear more obligations, but also strengthen cooperation and demonstrate leadership. As one of the P5 states, China is prepared to make greater contributions to the international community and continue attaching importance to the global nuclear issue. Since the nuclear issue involves various state interests, different countries should respect each other with equal discussions and consensus.

As the P5 conference host, China resolutely maintains the authority and effectiveness of the group’s multilateral mechanism. China doesn’t think the P5 states have the right to formulate international rules or exclusively control the international process, though it hopes the P5 states will play a bigger role. China believes that with broad representation, the multilateral mechanism can ensure the participation of all countries and allow them to all play the role of stakeholders.

China’s efforts have been widely accepted and respected, but inevitably there has been some unreasonable resistance from individual countries. Recently, Japan and other countries held a conference dubbed “Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation” that urged China to participate in the negotiation of nuclear disarmament. It is increasingly necessary for China to actively join in the process of international security and promote its right of speech without being subjected to unfounded slander or defamation.

The author is an expert in international studies.

Chinese Link：http://news.xinhuanet.com/2014-04/16/c_1110261240.htm

Translated by Yu Hui

Revised by Tom Fearon