Global Strategic Framework and Sino-US Cooperation

Statement by Mr. Liu Jieyi, Director-General of Arms Control and Disarmament Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, at the Fourth China-US Conference on Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (Washington, 4 March 2002)

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to attend this conference. As a bridge between the two countries arms control communities, the China-US Conference on Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation has played a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation and promoting the healthy development of our bilateral relations. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those involved in this conference for the past several years.

The theme of this conference is Building A Global Strategic Framework for the 21st Century , a theme of great significance today. At the beginning of the new century, the global security environment is undergoing profound changes. We are faced with a new situation where both traditional and non-traditional security factors are at work and non-traditional security threats are on the rise. At the same time, the decision to withdraw from the ABM Treaty brings a new challenge to global strategic stability and balance as well as the international arms control and disarmament system. Against such a backdrop, all governments need to consider what kind of a new global strategic framework should be built, so as to safeguard effectively world peace and stability in the 21st century. On this issue, I would like to present the following views:

First, the fundamental objective of a new global strategic framework should be the common security for all countries. The process of globalization has further deepened the interdependence between countries. This is true both economically and in terms of security. Never before has security been so mutual and indivisible. The security of one country cannot be achieved at the expense of that of others, still less be based on the insecurity of others. Absolute security of oneself does not exist. A new global strategic framework can be stable and long-lasting only if it enhances universal security.

Secondly, a new global strategic framework should be based on the integrity of and universal adherence to the norms of international law. The most prominent feature of the global security situation in the 21st century is its uncertainty and the instability that may ensue. To reduce uncertainty and enhance stability, it is critical to establish and maintain a rule-based international security structure. The UN Charter and other universally recognized norms governing international relations should be strictly abided by. As for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, a comprehensive legal system has been established so far, thanks to the joint efforts by the international community over decades. This system has become part and parcel of the global collective security architecture centered around the United Nations. It has played an important role in maintaining world peace and security, and has provided necessary predictability in the evolution of the global security landscape. Any weakening of this legal system will inevitably impact negatively on global security and stability.

Thirdly, international cooperation is the only effective way to build a stable global strategic framework. With the world getting smaller, the threats to global security are becoming increasingly diversified and globalized. Non-traditional threats, such as terrorism and transnational crimes, are taking the place of geo-political inter-state confrontation as the biggest challenge to world peace and security. Under such circumstances, multilateral cooperation is not a matter of choice, but a matter of course. Lasting peace and security can only be achieved through international cooperation and in a comprehensive manner rather than by the simple use of force. There is an emerging consensus among the international community that security should be sought through cooperation, dialogue and mutual trust. Without international cooperation, a stable global strategic framework would remain illusive.

Fourthly, a stable global strategic framework should contain the following basic elements:

A) Continued nuclear disarmament and a diminished role for nuclear weapons. To transcend the Cold War mindset, it is first and foremost necessary to jettison the nuclear deterrence policy based on the first use of nuclear weapons. This will go a long way to diminishing the role of nuclear weapons, and greatly contribute to nuclear nonproliferation. The nuclear arms reductions under discussion between major nuclear powers should be irreversible and verifiable. This will help enhance the predictability of global security situation, maintain world peace and stability, and promote international nuclear disarmament process.

B) Non-deployment or development of missile defense systems that undermine the global strategic stability and balance. Confronted with the rising non-traditional security threats, all countries have to reconsider their security strategy and security priorities. The terrorist attacks on September 11th have testified that a missile defense system is not the way to counter terrorist attacks and new security challenges in the 21st century. Such a system will not facilitate mutual trust or cooperation among countries，or contribute to any country's security.

C) Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The non-traditional security threats，as demonstrated by the terrorist attack on September 11th and the anthrax incident have highlighted the importance and urgency of preventing the proliferation of WMD. The proliferation of WMD has complicated causes and backgrounds. To resolve the problem, we should enhance international cooperation and build up an international non-proliferation system participated by all countries. A simplified approach, such as pressure, sanctions or even the threat or use of force, will not resolve the problem, and can only undermine the foundation of cooperation.

D) No arms race in outer space. With the rapid development of science and technology, peaceful development and utilization of outer space for the benefit of mankind has become a reality. The weaponization of outer space will lead to severe consequences and is extremely harmful to the global strategic stability. In the new century, we should prevent outer space from becoming another arena of arms race.

China and the United States are both Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and Nuclear-Weapon-States. The two countries share common interests on many major international issues and both undertake important responsibilities. It is fair to say that it is impossible and even unimaginable to build a new stable global strategic framework without the participation of and cooperation between China and the U.S. On our part, we are ready to join hands with the U. S. in an effort to create a peaceful, stable, dynamic and prosperous new century. The prospects for Sino-US cooperation are broad and bright.

Naturally, China and the U.S. also have differences on issues such as global strategic framework, arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. Yet, these differences are by no means unbridgeable. They can be resolved or managed through dialogue and cooperation. At present, there are two issues between China and the U.S. in the field of arms control and nonproliferation that have drawn extensive attention.

First is the issue of missile defense. On this issue, I would like to stress that Chinas disapproval of the US missile defense program is out of concerns about the global strategic stability and the international arms control and disarmament process. China does not threaten any country, and has no intention to conduct nuclear or conventional arms race with any country. On the contrary, China is an important force for peace. It will continue to adhere to its long-standing policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons and no-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free-zones. China will continue to exercise restraint in the development of nuclear weapons. The U.S. side has stated on many occasions that its missile defense program is not targeted at China. We expect this to be translated into concrete actions. Meanwhile, Taiwan should not be incorporated into such a missile defense system, nor be provided with missile defense technology. We also hope that the U.S. takes a prudent attitude towards its missile defense cooperation with Japan, so as to avoid jeopardizing regional peace and stability. We are ready to continue to have serious and honest dialogue with the U.S. on the issue of missile defense.

Second is the issue of non-proliferation. China and the U.S. share important common interests and overall objectives on non-proliferation. Both countries are opposed to the proliferation of WMD and advocate that concrete measures should be taken to address the threats posed by such proliferation. In recent years, China has actively supported international efforts to build and strengthen multilateral non-proliferation regimes with universal participation. China has also further enhanced and improved its export control of relevant items and technologies. We are willing to further conduct consultations and cooperation with the U.S. on the issue of non-proliferation and seek appropriate solutions.

The course that the Sino-US relationship has traversed has not always been smooth. But this relationship has been moving forward despite all the twists and turns. It is gratifying that President Bush has just concluded a successful visit to China, and that the relevant authorities of the two countries have also carried out useful consultations. All these developments have given a new impetus to the further development of our bilateral relationship and the establishment of a new global strategic framework. We believe that a mature and stable Sino-US relationship is not only in the interests of both countries, but also has an important bearing on world peace, security and stability.

As a Chinese poem goes, if you meet a friend afar who knows your heart, distance cannot keep you two apart. I hope that both Chinese and US officials and scholars present here will have frank and in-depth discussions on all agenda items. In such a way, we could make our own contribution to the sound development of Sino-US relations and the building of a stable global strategic framework.

I wish the conference a complete success.

Thank you.

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.