On November 27, China released the white paper “China’s Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in the New Era”. The document  comprehensively elaborates the Chinese government’s position on arms control, following its previous publications in 1995 and 2005. Issued against the backdrop of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the founding of the United Nations, the white paper carries significant weight at this crucial historical juncture.

It is within this context that the paper highlights China’s commitment in the new era, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, to advance Chinese modernization, puts into action the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, and works to build a community with a shared future for humanity in response to the shared aspirations of the international community. It plays a constructive role in international arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation, actively offers its initiatives and solutions, and is committed to improving the international security environment, increasing international security cooperation, addressing global security challenges, and strengthening global security governance. China has been and will always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.

The current international security and arms control situation is complex and severe. Regional conflicts and turmoil are becoming more frequent, and the international arms race continues to escalate. Today, humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. It once again finds itself at a historic crossroads. The white paper systematically states China’s views and policies on the international security and arms control situation in the new era, and comprehensively elaborates on China’s positive endeavor, practical measures and remarkable achievements in constructively participating in the process of international arms control over the past 20 years, especially since the 18th National Congress of the CPC. It shows China’s sense of responsibility and commitment as a major country to actively take the lead in global security governance and safeguard international peace and security.

Firstly, the white paper articulates, for the first time, the philosophy of “justice, cooperation, balance, and effectiveness” as the cornerstone of China's approach to arms control. Justice means upholding fairness and equity, firmly safeguarding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and opposing political coercion, exceptionalism, and double standards. Cooperation means upholding mutually beneficial cooperation, advocating for true multilateralism, and resolving arms control and nonproliferation issues through political and diplomatic means. Balance means addressing both traditional and emerging fields, balancing rights and obligations, and tackling both symptoms and root causes of global security challenges in a comprehensive manner. Effectiveness means adhering to a practical and realistic approach, safeguarding the authority, universality, and effectiveness of the existing international arms control and nonproliferation regimes.

Secondly, the white paper elaborates on China’s constructive participation in international arms control processes and its due contributions to the cause. Taking nuclear arms control as an example, China was compelled to make the strategic choice to develop nuclear weapons at a particular point in history to deal with nuclear threats and blackmail, break the existing nuclear monopoly, and prevent nuclear wars. China’s nuclear weapons are not intended to threaten other countries, but for defense and self-protection. On October 16, 1964, when China successfully detonated its first atomic bomb, the Chinese government made a solemn declaration to the world that it undertakes not to be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances. History and reality have proved that no-first-use of nuclear weapons is conducive to enhancing strategic mutual trust, advancing the nuclear disarmament process, effectively reducing strategic risks, and promoting global strategic balance and stability. China respects and supports the efforts of relevant countries and regions to establish nuclear-weapon-free zones or zones free of weapons of mass destruction on the basis of their own consultations and voluntary agreements. China has signed and ratified protocols with several regions, such as the Additional Protocol II to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. China stands ready to work with other parties to continuously strive toward the goal of complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, and the ultimate realization of a world free of nuclear weapons.

Thirdly, as emerging technologies like outer space, cyberspace, and AI advance rapidly, strengthening security governance in these domains is an urgent priority. In response, the white paper calls for leveraging the UN’s pivotal role based on universal participation by all countries. The goal is to promote the formation of a globally recognized framework and standards for governance in emerging domains, while enhancing the representation and voice of developing nations. China advocates for the peaceful use of outer space and the prevention of an arms race there. It also stands firm in promoting an international rules-based system for cyberspace, resolutely safeguards sovereignty and security, and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in cyberspace. Regarding AI, China upholds a people-centered approach and the principle of AI for good, and asserts that major powers should research, develop, and use AI technology in the military field with a prudent and responsible attitude, ensuring weapon systems remain under human control.

Fourthly, the white paper reaffirms China’s consistent support for  international and regional peace and security. China supports the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, opposes the threat or use of force in international relations, opposes moves that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean, and opposes external interference in Venezuela’s domestic affairs under any pretext. China supports the effort of cracking down on transnational crimes through stronger international cooperation. China urges the U.S. to stop undermining countries’ safety of navigation and their freedoms and rights enjoyed under international law, and stop disrupting regional peace and stability under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, and calls on the U.S. to engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks.

We humans all share the same planet. We must pull together in solidarity and harmony, and ensure that the law of the jungle never makes a comeback. In this spirit, Chinese modernization follows the path of peaceful development, and China will always be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world. We stand ready to work with all peace-loving countries to build an equal and orderly multipolar world and promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. It will consolidate and develop the UN-centered international arms control regime, work with all parties to build a community with a shared future for humanity, and create a brighter future for all.