Nuclear Weapon Free Zones (NWFZs) - Statements and Developments

Nuclear Weapon Free Zones (NWFZs) - Statements and Developments

This chronology includes statements and developments on issues related to China and nuclear weapon free zones (NWFZs), including Chinese support of various NWFZs, and signature and ratification of relevant NWFZ protocols.

2002

04/02: The Chinese Foreign Ministry issues a statement supporting the ongoing efforts of the Central Asian states to negotiate a Central Asian NWFZ, as well as reiterating the PRC's support for NWFZs generally and its intent to sign the amended protocol of the SEANWFZ treaty. Specifically, "China appreciates and supports the efforts by Central Asian states to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in light of the region's situation. We believe the problems with the present draft treaty will be properly resolved through friendly consultations." ["Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone," Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China]

2001

01/08/01: The Asahi Shimbun reports PRC Liberation Army Deputy Chief of Staff Xiong Guang Kai's response to Takako Doi's, the Japanese Social Democratic Party Chairperson, idea of establishing a non-nuclear zone in Northeast Asia as, "I agree to the idea. The PRC does not support nuclear proliferation. We are insisting on eventual total elimination of nuclear weapons. We support the state of no nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula." ["PRC View on Denuclearization of Northeast Asia," The Asahi Shimbun in Northeast Asia Peace and Security Network Daily Report, 11 January, 2001.]

1999

8/5/99: During a major international conference on disarmament issues held in Japan, Zhu Shanqing, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, addressed the issue of whether China would support the a proposal to establish a nuclear weapons-free zone in Northeast Asia involving the two Koreas and Japan. Zhu said the "necessary conditions have not been fulfilled" and that Japan must leave the US nuclear umbrella and declare itself completely "nuclear-free." ["Chinese Delegate Says US Threatens World Peace," Maya Kaneko, Kyodo News Service (Japan), 5 August, 1999]

7/28/99: During the annual meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum, China's Foreign Minister announced that China would sign the relevant protocols to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ). This announcement came as a shock to many diplomats because there has not been any previous signal that China would take this step. Previously, China objected to the fact that the geographical scope of the zone includes portions of the South China Sea, which China claims as its territorial waters. As a signatory to the SEANWFZ and as a nuclear weapon state, China has agreed to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons in the zone outlined in the treaty. [Mergawati Zulfakar and Mazwin Nik Anis, "China To Sing Southeast Asian's Anti-Nuclear Treaty," The Star (Malaysia), 28 July 1999.]

1998

7/98: In China's National Defense, the Chinese government stated that it continues to "vigorously support the efforts of the relevant countries to establish nuclear-free zones on a voluntary basis."

1997

9/15/97: China presented its seven principles on the creation of NWFZs, stating "The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is of great importance to the advancement of nuclear disarmament, the prevention of nuclear proliferation and the promotion of international and regional peace and security. To this end, we believe that the following principles regarding nuclear-weapon-free zones should be observed:"

Nuclear-weapon-free zones should be established by relevant countries in light of the realities of their region on the basis of voluntary agreement through consultations among themselves.
Treaties on nuclear-weapon-free zones should be consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and should not be used to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries outside of the relevant nuclear-weapon-free zone.
The nuclear-weapon-free status of nuclear-weapon-free zones should not be subject to influence of any other security mechanism. Countries in nuclear-weapon-free zones should not refuse to fulfill their obligations under any excuses, including that of a military alliance.
A nuclear-weapon-free zone should have a clear geographical border. It should not include continental shelves and EEZs (exclusive economic zones), nor the areas where there exist disputes over sovereignty of territory or maritime rights and interests between the contracting parties to the nuclear-weapon-free-zone treaty and their neighboring countries.
Effective verification mechanisms, including IAEA's safeguards, should be put in place in nuclear-weapon-free zones so as to effectively prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The arrangements of nuclear-weapon-free zones should be conducive to the international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy among member states so as to promote the development of their economy and science and technology.
The nuclear-weapon states should respect the status of nuclear-weapon-free zones, undertake corresponding obligations and commit themselves to unconditional non-use and threat of use of nuclear weapons against nuclear-weapon-free zones. ["Speech by Head of the Chinese Delegation to the International Conference 'Central Asia--Nuclear Weapons Free Zone'," Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 15 September 1997.]

1995

12/7/95: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Chen Jian stated that "China has enjoyed long-term friendship and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries so in principle we support the establishment of an East Asian nuclear-free area." Chen further stated, however, that "As for whether the geographical area of this nuclear-free area includes the continental shelf or exclusive economic zones, China and other countries have their own positions." [Kyodo (Tokyo), 7 December 1995; in "Spokesman Assesses Support For Southeast Asian Nuclear Free Zone," FBIS-TAC-95-007, 7 December 1995.]

11/95: In its white paper on arms control and disarmament, China stated that it

"has always respected and supported the demands of the countries concerned for the establishment of [NWFZs] on the basis of voluntary consultation and agreement and in accordance with actual local circumstances...China welcomes the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty...and supports the proposal by relevant nations on the establishment of nuclear-free zones in the Korean Peninsula, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East." ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995.]

4/18/95: In a statement to the NPT Review and Extension Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen stated that

"we welcome the African countries to conclude a treaty on the nuclear-weapon-free zone of Africa" and also stated that "China supports the efforts of relevant countries and regions to establish nuclear-weapon-free zones or zones free of weapons of mass destruction through voluntary consultations." ["Statement By H.E. Qian Qichen, Vice Premier And Foreign Minister And Head Of Delegation Of The People's Republic Of China At The 1995 Review And Extension Conference Of The Parties To The Treaty On The Non-Proliferation Of Nuclear Weapons," 18 April 1995.]

4/5/95: China stated its policy with regard to negative and positive security assurances (NSAs and PSAs). On NSAs, China stated:

"China undertakes not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones at any time or under any circumstances. This commitment naturally applies to non-nuclear-weapon States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or non-nuclear-weapon States that have undertaken any comparable internationally binding commitments not to manufacture or acquire nuclear explosive devices." ["China's National Statement On Security Assurances," 5 April 1995.] 1993

12/29/93: Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto acknowledged that both Pakistan and China would agree to a nuclear nonproliferation pact as well as a nuclear-free zone in South Asia if India would also agree. [Jeffrey Parker, Reuters, 29 December 1993; in Executive News Service, 29 December 1993.]

1991

7/8/91: Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Huaqiu, head of the Chinese delegation to a Paris arms control conference on the Middle East, stated:

"In the process of arms reduction and control in the Middle East, it is necessary to avoid aggravating the imbalance and instability in the Middle East region. The unbalanced situation now existing in the Middle East region should be corrected." "China supports the establishment of a zone without nuclear weapons and large-scale destructive weapons in the Middle East. The countries in that region should destroy these types of weapons and their research and development and production facilities. The nuclear facilities in that region should be placed under the International Atomic Energy Agency's security guarantee. Countries other than those in the Middle East region should promise not to supply to that region these types of weapons and the special technologies, accessories, and parts for their research and development and production." [Renmin Ribao, 10 June 1991; in FBIS Special Memorandum, 18 December 1991.]

7/2/91: In a letter to the Washington Post, Chen Guoqing, press counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, stated:

"China has struck no nuclear deals with Iran...This inference is preposterous."

"China is a responsible member of the international community and does not advocate or encourage nuclear proliferation. Nor does it help other countries develop nuclear weapons."

"China supports the effort to turn the Middle East into a nuclear weapons-free zone and a zone free from weapons of mass destruction." [Xinhua, 2 July 1991; in FBIS Special Memorandum, 18 December 1991.]

6/21/91: During a news briefing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wu Jianmin stated:

"The Middle East should be turned into a zone free from nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction. The Middle East is a hotspot of long-standing tensions, and China has always stood for the destruction of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons." [China Daily, 21 June 1991; in FBIS Special Memorandum, 18 December 1991.] 1988

1988: China ratified Protocols 2 and 3 of the Rarotonga Treaty, providing legally-binding negative security assurances (NSAs) to the Treaty's parties. [Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 62; Weixing Hu, "China's Nuclear Export Controls: Policy And Regulations," Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1994, p. 5.]

1987

1987: China signed Protocols 2 and 3 of the Rarotonga Treaty. [Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 62; Weixing Hu, "China's Nuclear Export Controls: Policy And Regulations," Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1994, p. 5.]

1970s

6/12/74: China ratified Protocol 2 of the Tlatelolco Treaty, providing legally-binding negative security assurances (NSAs) to the treaty's parties. [Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 62.]

8/21/73: China signed Protocol 2 of the Tlatelolco Treaty. [Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 62.]

3/19/73: At a UN Security Council meeting in Panama, Chinese representative Huang Hua stated:

"At present, the main threat to world peace comes from the imperialist policies of aggression and war. The superpowers which possess a huge amount of nuclear weapons keep on stepping up their nuclear arms race. They have established nuclear bases and stationed nuclear troops on the territories of other countries; their planes, warships and submarines carrying nuclear weapons are flying or plying everywhere, posing a grave threat to the security of the people of various countries. In order to oppose the imperialist policies of aggression and war and to safeguard peace and security in Latin America, the peoples of Latin American countries have put forward the just proposal for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Latin America. The Chinese Government attaches great importance to and supports the efforts of the Latin American countries for the denuclearization of Latin America…"

"It must be pointed out that owing to the superpowers' continued refusal to undertake not to use nuclear weapons against the Latin American nuclear-weapon-free zone or to dismantle its military bases in Latin America, and to undertake not to send means of transportation and delivery carrying nuclear weapons to traverse the territory, territorial sea and air space of Latin American countries, Latin America still cannot be freed from the threat of nuclear war. A certain superpower, while talking profusely about supporting the establishment of a Latin American nuclear-weapon-free zone, has created one pretext after another for refusing to undertake commitments regarding it. Therefore unremitting struggles must be waged against the superpower policies of nuclear threat and nuclear blackmail in order truly to bring about a Latin American nuclear-weapon-free zone. The Chinese Government has consistently stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. We are ready to work together with the peoples of Latin America for the attainment of this lofty goal." [Peking Review, 23 March 1973, p. 10.]

11/14/72: Chinese Foreign Minister Chi Peng-fei stated, on behalf of the Chinese government:

"China will never use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear Latin American countries and the Latin American nuclear-weapon-free zone; nor will China test, manufacture, produce, stockpile, install or deploy nuclear weapons in these countries or in this zone, or send her means of transportation and delivery carrying nuclear weapons to cross the territory, territorial sea or air space of Latin American countries." [Letter from Chinese Foreign Minister Chi Peng-fei to Mexican Ambassador to China Eugenio Anguiano, 14 November 1972.] 1960s

8/11/63: Zhou Enlai, during a meeting with a delegation from Colombia, stated: "I have an idea: A nuclear weapon-free zone should be established in Latin America. It should not be permitted to use, import, make, or test nuclear weapons, so that this region will not be threatened by nuclear weapons. Is it not very attractive?" [Quoted in Mingquan Zhu, "The Evolution of China's Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy," The Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1997, p. 43.]

7/31/63: China proposed a world summit conference to discuss nuclear disarmament. China proposed four steps toward disarmament:

(1) Dismantling all foreign bases and withdrawing all nuclear weapons from abroad;

(2) Establishing nuclear-free zones in Asia and the Pacific, Central Europe, Africa, and Latin America;

(3) The non-export and non-import of nuclear weapons and the technical information for their production;

(4) A halt to all nuclear testing, including underground. [Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 66.]

1950s

1958-1959: China called for a nuclear free zone in Asia and the Pacific. [Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 65.]

[CHINA AND NUCLEAR WEAPON-FREE ZONES (NWFZs)]

[NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT/ARMS CONTROL-RELATED STATEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS]

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.