CHINA’S State Council Information Office latest white paper titled “China’s Arms Control, Disarmament and Nonproliferation in the New Era” is timely as well healthy because of emerging surge in the power geopolitics and immense geostrategic militarization, deployment of ballistic missiles in Asia Pacific, unprecedented arms race, military alliances against China and last but not least restart of unnecessary testing of nuclear arsenals in the world. Hence, it is “anti-arms” race, “antidote” of militarization and nuclearization, shunning arms race and emphasizes on joint efforts for global peace and stability.
Many regional countries, mainly Japan and the Philippines, have “blindly” followed the arms race, with their military maneuvers posing serious threats to regional peace and stability. Japan’s illegal interference in Taiwan’s affairs and missile deployment on Yonaguni Island near Taiwan have further escalated tensions. In contrast, China’s latest white paper is “remedial” and “responsible,” highlighting its national narrative of peaceful coexistence, progress and prosperity. It validates China’s humanistic wisdom, strong “pro-peace” political commitment, “constructive” diplomatic responsibility and urgent advocacy for international cooperation in arms control, presenting a new “code of conduct” that is integrated, interactive and forward-looking for regional and global stability.
Comparative studies of emerging international power politics uphold China as the “real champion” of global cooperation, consistently playing a positive and mutually beneficial role in international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation. It actively pursues initiatives such as Xi’s Global Development, Security and Governance Initiatives, offering workable solutions that protect humanity, the environment and global peace. The white paper reflects China’s genuine policies and “institutionalized” approach to arms control, including governance of emerging technologies like outer space, cyberspace and AI, presenting an open, transparent, integrated and contributory code of conduct. It also reaffirms China’s commitment to global security, calling on the world community to collaborate in international arms control, representing a timely and correct policy direction.
The central focus of the white paper is to uphold the international arms control regime with the United Nations at its core, promoting global governance in arms control, supporting efforts to build lasting peace and common security and serving as a key promoter of international arms control. As a permanent UN Security Council member, China has actively safeguarded the authority and effectiveness of this regime, contributed significantly in nuclear, biological, chemical and other multilateral arms control fields and meticulously fulfilled its treaty obligations. The inclusion of emerging threats in outer space, cyberspace and AI adds a futuristic, strategic dimension, expanding new territories of global governance.
The white paper seems to be open and has international attraction, making China’s proposal for international cooperation and joint efforts by all countries an inclusive, far-reaching and judicious strategic step. The UN is expected to play a momentous role in fostering a global governance framework and establishing standards for emerging fields based on broad consensus, while simultaneously increasing the representation and voice of developing countries. Its suggestions to build China’s national nonproliferation capacity, actively participate in the international nonproliferation process, promote international cooperation on the peaceful uses of science and technology and facilitate the improvement of global nonproliferation governance are healthy and constructive steps to control the arms race regionally and globally. Therefore, the white paper presents a complete set of rules to enhance national capacity building and strengthen international cooperation, ultimately working to save the universe from nuclear calamity.
It is a positive sign that Chinese modernization embraces the path of peaceful development and that its economic growth and technological advancement contribute to the expansion of the world’s peaceful forces. China also demonstrates a “big plus” through its readiness to work with all peace-loving countries to build an equal and orderly multipolar world and to promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. By further consolidating and developing the UN-centered international arms control regime and working with all parties to build a community with a shared future for humanity, China takes a major step in the right direction, creating the foundation for a brighter future for all nations.
The statement by the Chinese military spokesperson timely coincides with the release of the new white paper on arms control, emphasizing China’s firm resolve and strong sense of responsibility to strengthen arms control, maintain strategic stability and reduce the harm caused by war. China’s active and productive participation in global security governance represents a giant leap in advancing international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation, while also playing an important role in promoting world peace and stability. The white paper carries strategic significance, conveying a clear message of regional peace, stability and harmony despite the surge in regional militarization and the untamed global arms race. It reflects China’s peace-loving approach, offering a roadmap for universal safety and security.
China’s national defense policy is defensive in nature and serves as the fundamental guideline for its defense and military development. The country controls its defense spending carefully, ensuring it is reasonable and appropriate. Moreover, China’s defense spending remains relatively low in terms of its share of GDP compared to other countries worldwide. Outstandingly, China’s nuclear weapons are maintained without any hidden agenda to threaten other nations; they exist solely for defense and self-protection, demonstrating China’s strong commitment to world peace, stability and responsible global security governance.
—The writer is President, the Centre for Knowledge and Public Policy, Regional Expert: China, CPEC, BRI & World Affairs.
