China's Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation in the New Era
The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China November 2025
V. Strengthening International Cooperation on Nonproliferation and Peaceful Uses of Science and Technology
The international nonproliferation regime plays an important role in preventing and deferring the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery and in safeguarding international and regional peace and security. At present, the risks and challenges of the proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and their means of delivery persist. Scientific and technological progress has led to a more multifaceted risk of non-State actors acquiring WMD. Unilateralism and double standards are on the rise. Developing countries are still faced with restrictions on peaceful uses of science and technology. The international community is calling for a more equitable and rational international nonproliferation regime. China continues to build its domestic nonproliferation capacity, actively participating in the international nonproliferation process, promoting international cooperation on peaceful uses of science and technology, and facilitating the improvement of global nonproliferation governance.
1. China's Nonproliferation Policy and Practice
China has always firmly opposed the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery, and strictly implemented the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. China fully fulfills its obligations within the framework of the NPT, the BWC, the CWC and international organizations such as the IAEA and the OPCW, submits timely national reports or declarations of confidence-building measures, and plays a leading role in facilitating international nonproliferation cooperation.
Strengthening export control system. China has stepped up efforts to improve its export control system and has established a system of laws and regulations based on the Export Control Law of the People's Republic of China, covering nuclear, biological, chemical, missile and other dual-use items, military products and nuclear materials, etc. This has placed export control under law-based and standardized governance. In December 2024, the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items and the Export Control List of Dual-Use Items of the People's Republic of China went into force, further strengthening governance effectiveness in the export control of dual-use items.
Improving nonproliferation and export control regulatory capacity. China continuously improves its export control enforcement mechanisms. It has established a coordinated and robust enforcement system, strengthening export control regulation in all areas including production, research and development, exports and financing. In accordance with common international practice and national development needs, China has taken measures such as inter-departmental information exchange, the formation of expert support teams and the strengthening of law enforcement forces, to promptly investigate and deal with violations. Such measures serve to ensure targeted and effective nonproliferation and export controls, and deter potential violations. The Chinese government has been actively conducting compliance training programs for enterprises, research institutions, higher education institutions and other entities, to raise public awareness.
2. Promotion of a Fair, Reasonable and Nondiscriminatory International Nonproliferation Order
Upholding and promoting international and regional peace and security is the fundamental goal of nonproliferation. China has always maintained that the right to representation and participation of all states, particularly developing ones, should be fully guaranteed and promoted in the formulation of nonproliferation-related rules and mechanisms. China advocates a holistic approach to development and security, and a balanced approach to nonproliferation and international cooperation on peaceful uses, to effectively safeguard the right of developing countries to development, and make the international nonproliferation system more fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory.
Supporting the central role of the UN in the field of nonproliferation. China actively participates in the work of the Committee established pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), supports the effective implementation of Resolution 1540 at the national, regional and international levels, strengthens domestic management and export control over WMD and related materials and technologies, and prevents and combats the acquisition of sensitive items by non-State actors. China has co-hosted four training courses for UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Points of Contact in the Asia-Pacific region, together with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the 1540 Committee.
Actively participating in the building of international nonproliferation and export control system. As a participant of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China always maintains that strengthening the universality, authority and effectiveness of the NPT should be the goal of and criterion for the Group's work. China actively participates in discussions related to the revision and improvement of the Group's guidelines and control lists. China supports the reasonable proposition of the developing countries, represented by the Non-Aligned Movement, that nonproliferation concerns are best addressed through multilaterally negotiated, universal, comprehensive and nondiscriminatory agreements. Based on this position, China maintains contacts with mechanisms such as the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement, and encourages the relevant mechanisms to maintain their technical nature, fulfill their commitments to not interfering with peaceful uses and normal international trade in relevant fields, and play a constructive role in promoting common security and universal development.
3. Firm Commitment to Upholding the Legitimate Right to the Peaceful Uses of Science and Technology
China attaches importance to the security challenges and proliferation risks posed by emerging science and technology. At the same time, it advocates for maintaining the legitimate right of developing countries to peaceful uses of science and technology, opposes the use of export controls as a tool for decoupling, and stands against the abuse of export controls and unilateral sanctions under the pretext of international security and nonproliferation.
To uphold this stance, together with countries in similar positions, China submitted for the first time the draft resolution entitled "Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security", to the First Committee of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in October 2021, which emphasizes the inalienable right of all states to participate in the fullest possible exchange of technology, equipment, and materials for peaceful purposes under international law and calls for the removal of undue restrictions on developing countries. The resolution received broad support. Subsequently, at its 77th and 79th sessions, the General Assembly again adopted the resolution by an overwhelming majority. China welcomes further inclusive dialogues among all parties to promote effective implementation of the resolution.
Conclusion
For thousands of years, humanity has yearned for enduring peace, yet war lingers unresolved as an ever-present shadow. Arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation serve as an important barrier, preventing humanity from slipping into the abyss of war. Over the past eight decades, a multilateral arms control regime with the UN at its core has progressively taken shape and become mature, playing a pivotal role in mitigating conflict and maintaining peace.
At present, change on a scale unseen in a century is accelerating: The trends towards peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit remain unstoppable, while escalating risks of confrontation, conflict and war are exacerbating global instability and disorder, and the process of multilateral arms control has reached a low ebb. A dangerous prospect is emerging, in which international relations are falling back into the law of the jungle, and the weak are at the mercy of the strong.
No matter how the world changes, China stands firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, and serves as a staunch force for upholding world peace and security. It will practice true multilateralism, take on its responsibility as a major country, and work tirelessly to promote international arms control, providing reliable stability in a turbulent world.
A noble cause is never a lonely pursuit, and collective efforts ensure sustained progress. Chinese modernization follows the path of peaceful development, and China's growth contributes to the growth of the world's peaceful forces. China stands 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.
