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Statement of the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Nuclear Testing
5 October 1993
On 5 October 1993, China conducted an underground nuclear test. It is entirely for the purpose of self-defense that China develops and possesses a small number of nuclear weapons. On the very day it became a nuclear-weapon state in 1964, the Chinese government solemnly declared that at no times and under no circumstances would China be the first to use nuclear weapons. It has also undertaken not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-free zones. In keeping with this policy, it has signed and ratified the relevant additional protocols of the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty.
China has all along stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons and a comprehensive nuclear test ban in this context. Proceeding from this basic position, China has always exercised utmost restraint on nuclear testing and the number of the nuclear tests it has conducted is extremely limited.
China fully understands the sincere desire of the non-nuclear states for an early conclusion of a comprehensive test ban treaty through negotiations and believes that such a treaty has its positive significance. While supporting its early conclusion, China will take an active part in the negotiating process and work together with other countries to conclude this treaty no later than 1996. At the same time, China believes that a pledge by all nuclear-weapon states not to use nuclear weapons at all is of even greater significance as it is a more effective step towards the non-proliferation goal underscored by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. To this end, China strongly calls for a parallel negotiation by all nuclear-weapon states aimed at concluding an international convention on unconditional non-first-use of nuclear weapons and non-use and non-threat of use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states and nuclear-free zones.
After a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty is concluded and comes into effect, China will abide by it and carry out no more nuclear tests. History has shown that a conditional 'moratorium' designed to maintain nuclear superiority while refusing to renounce nuclear deterrence and commit oneself to complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons is of extremely limited significance. Countries that possess the largest nuclear arsenals are the first to develop nuclear weapons, have conducted the largest numbers of nuclear tests and are the most advanced in nuclear weapon technology. They ought to bear the special responsibility by taking the lead to cut down their own nuclear weapon development, renouncing their policy of nuclear deterrence centered around first use of nuclear weapons and use or threat of use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states and nuclear-free zones, and undertaking the clear commitment to complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons and keeping on drastically reducing their nuclear weapons, so as to create conditions for other nuclear countries to take part in the nuclear disarmament process and for the ultimate realization of the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons.
China is a peace-loving country and an important force devoted to preserving peace, security and stability in the world. It has consistently dedicated itself to the lofty cause of peace and development of entire mankind. China is ready to continue working tirelessly, together with the international community, for an early realization of the ultimate goal of world-wide prohibition and thorough elimination of nuclear weapons.
This
material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin
Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of
International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the
opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or
its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2007 by
MIIS.
