China's Export Controls

2. Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue and Consultation

As part of the effort to promote world peace and regional security, China prioritizes communication and consultation on global issues and emergencies via the UN and multilateral export control mechanisms.

China advocates that as the most representative international organization, the UN should play a central role in finding the right balance between non-proliferation and peaceful uses, and in safeguarding the legitimate rights of developing countries to peaceful uses of technological advances. In December 2021, the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the China-initiated resolution "Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security", which emphasizes the significance of international cooperation in science and technology for peaceful purposes in facilitating economic and social development, and urges all Member States, without prejudice to their nonproliferation obligations, to lift unnecessary restrictions on peaceful use in developing countries. The adoption of this resolution marks the beginning of an open, inclusive and just dialogue process under the UNGA framework, which is in line with the common interests of the international community. It represents a critical contribution to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of all countries concerning peaceful uses of technology, ensuring that scientific and technological dividends are widely shared to the benefit of all, and addressing the security challenges arising from scientific and technological progress. It is also conducive to fuller and more balanced implementation of the NPT, the CWC, the BWC and other international treaties, and to greater dialogue and exchanges between other countries and State Members of the existing mechanisms on non-proliferation and export control, to better serve shared security and development. China will continue to work with all other parties to advance this dialogue process under the UNGA framework.

In April 2004, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540), which requires all countries to reinforce domestic management and export control of WMD and relevant materials and technologies, and to prevent and combat the proliferation of such items among non-state actors. As the first UN Security Council resolution dedicated to non-proliferation, this advances international cooperation under international law. China actively supports and participates in non-proliferation efforts under relevant UN frameworks, including the 1540 Committee, and works vigorously to promote the comprehensive review of UNSCR 1540. To strengthen its enforcement in Asia, China and the 1540 Committee hosted three training sessions－"Training Course for the 1540 Points of Contact in the Asia-Pacific Region"－in the Chinese cities of Qingdao, Xi'an and Xiamen in 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Since its accession to the NSG in 2004, China has conscientiously assumed its membership obligations, actively taken part in policy consultations, drawing up lists, information sharing, and other NSG matters, and stepped up export control cooperation with other NSG members. Following the NSG Guidelines, China has amended Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Control of Nuclear Export and Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Control of Nuclear Dual-use Items and Related Technologies Export. In the amendments, acceptance of comprehensive safeguards and oversight by the importing country is a precondition for the export of nuclear materials, and the export control lists are routinely updated in sync with the NSG's control list.

China officially applied to join the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2004, and has since maintained communication and exchanges, with five rounds of dialogue focusing on China's accession and issues regarding control systems, lists and the enforcement of missile export controls. China referred to the MTCR Guidelines and Annex when formulating its missile export control regulations and control list.

China has maintained communication and exchanges with the Wassenaar Arrangement. The two sides have held five rounds of in-depth dialogue on control principles, lists, and best practices pertaining to the export of conventional arms and relevant dual-use items and technologies.

China has been involved in six rounds of consultation with the Australia Group (AG) on biological and chemical non-proliferation, implementation of the CWC and the BWC, and operation of the AG.

China is willing to work with the international community to ensure that multilateral export control mechanisms are just and open, and to increase the diversity and breadth of representation in their membership. China upholds solidarity and cooperation, opposes discriminatory approaches, and advocates that all countries work together to address serious global issues and create a brighter future for humanity.

Conclusion

The international landscape is undergoing profound changes, and the world is rife with challenges in the field of export control. It is no easy task to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity. All countries need to work together, relentless in their determination to strengthen international cooperation and pursue shared security and development.

Employing a holistic approach to national security and export controls, China will continue to strengthen its systems, increase capacity, reinforce administration, step up enforcement, and promote compliance, so as to effectively address the risks and challenges under the new circumstances. China will shoulder its due responsibilities as a major country by fulfilling its international obligations and commitments, by participating in exchanges and cooperation on export controls, and by joining forces with all other countries to build sound international export control governance as part of a global community of shared future.