Arms control white paper demonstrates China's commitment as major country: foreign ministry

BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A white paper on China's arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation in the new era has demonstrated China's sense of responsibility and commitment as a major country to actively spearhead global security governance and safeguard international peace and security, the foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said here Thursday.

The release of the white paper on Thursday is of remarkable significance as this year marks 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 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Guo said at a daily press briefing.

China issued white papers on arms control in 1995 and 2005, respectively. The latest document comprehensively expounds on China's arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation policies, as well as the country's insights and propositions on the international security and arms control situation in the new era, Guo said.

Noting the complex international security and arms control situation and constant escalation of international arms races in a world prone to frequent conflicts and turmoil, he said human society is once again standing at a crossroads, facing the choice between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, and win-win cooperation and zero-sum game.

The document presents China's positive efforts, pragmatic measures and achievements in constructive participation in the international arms control process over the past two decades, showcasing China's sense of responsibility as a major country to lead global security governance and maintain international peace and security, Guo said.

The issuance of the white paper is a concrete step China has taken to implement the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, the spokesperson said, adding that no matter how the international situation may change, China will always stand on the side of peace and justice, and act as a staunch force in safeguarding world peace and security.

China is willing to work with all other peaceful countries to advocate an equal, orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization, and to consolidate and develop the international arms control system with the United Nations at its core, he added.