Statement by China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Small Arms and Light Weapons

President,

I welcome Foreign Minister Kabba for presiding over today's meeting, and I thank Mr. Ebo for his briefing.

The issue of small arms and light weapons bears directly on peace and development. Properly addressing this issue is of great significance for combating terrorism and transnational organized crime, maintaining regional peace and stability, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As reflected in the recent report released by Secretary-General António Guterres, the problems of proliferation, misuse, and illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons remain grave, and the relevant governance process still faces formidable challenges.

President Xi Jinping of China has put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and successively introduced the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. These provide Chinese solutions for responding to global changes and addressing pressing challenges, and they are also of great significance for promoting the governance of small arms and light weapons. I would like to further elaborate on China's positions as follows:

First, adopt a comprehensive approach to address both symptoms and root causes. Small arms and light weapons are not only a security issue, but also one of development and governance. In regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Sahel, economic underdevelopment and poverty have left people suffering from weapon proliferation and violent conflict. The international community should take concrete measures to promote economic growth and social stability in relevant countries, eliminate the root causes of poverty, violence, turmoil, and conflict, thus creating the conditions necessary for resolving the root causes of small arms and light weapons issues. All countries should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, commit themselves to the peaceful settlement of disputes, and resolve global and regional security threats through dialogue and consultation, so as to prevent new sources of conflict from emerging.

Second, uphold multilateralism and improve the governance architecture. The UN should play its role as the main channel, promote the comprehensive and effective implementation of international legal instruments on small arms and light weapons, and enhance the authority, universality, and effectiveness of relevant mechanisms. Synergy and complementarity should be achieved among existing mechanisms to form greater joint efforts. The Security Council should provide political support for peace and reconciliation efforts and post-conflict reconstruction of the countries concerned, and assist them in effectively addressing small arms proliferation in processes such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), and security sector reform (SSR).

Third, strengthen capacity building to ensure full-cycle management. Countries concerned should bear the primary responsibility for all stages of small arms and light weapons management-production, storage, and transfer. They should, in line with their national conditions, establish and improve laws, regulations, and institutional frameworks, strengthen law enforcement and control, and prevent illicit circulation of small arms within their borders. The international community should, under UN coordination and with full respect for the will of the countries concerned, promote bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience and practical cooperation among states and relevant international organizations, and enhance their capacity for small arms control.

Fourth, exercise prudence in arms exports to prevent heightening risks. All countries should adopt responsible arms export policies, stop using arms trade as a tool of interfering in the internal affairs of other states, exercise caution in exporting weapons to conflict regions, and refrain from transferring arms to non-state actors. Gang violence in Haiti remains rampant, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons is severe. States from which illicit weapons and ammunition originate should take concrete actions to ensure effective implementation of the Security Council's arms embargo. In Syria, the resurgence and spread of terrorist and extremist forces is alarming. All countries should earnestly fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations and resolutely prevent small arms and light weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists and extremists, so as to safeguard regional and international security.

Fifth, address technological challenges and promote the use of technology for good. Emerging technologies create new opportunities for development but also bring security challenges. Issues such as 3D printing, modular gun manufacturing, and craft-produced weapons have become increasingly prominent, making the control of small arms and light weapons more difficult. The extensive application of artificial intelligence and big data, however, also provides new means for strengthening control. China advocates "technology for good" and calls for enhanced exchanges and cooperation under the UN framework, and promotes the governance of small arms and light weapons in a timely and forward-looking manner. China supports the open-ended technical expert group established under the Programme of Action in conducting pragmatic discussions on these issues to achieve constructive outcomes.

President,

China has consistently supported and constructively participated in the governance of small arms and light weapons, earnestly fulfilling its international obligations, strengthening legal and institutional safeguards, and maintaining a prudent and responsible approach to arms exports while advancing international exchanges and cooperation. Currently, China is cooperating with the UN and the African Union through the China-UN Peace and Development Fund to support capacity-building projects for small arms and light weapons control in African countries, contributing to the implementation of Our Common Agenda and the African initiative of Silencing the Guns.

Addressing the issue of small arms and light weapons is a long-term task and an important mission of the international community. China stands ready to work with all parties to further advance the governance process, promote lasting peace, common security, and a world free from gun violence, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Thank you, President.