Many of China's arms control specialists are found in Chinese mass or grass roots organizations. Most have limited knowledge of detailed technical issues and often only a general understanding of the foreign policy issues that frame arms control decision-making. Their work involves public outreach, education, and participation in international conferences with counterparts from other countries.

There are a considerable number of a grass roots organizations in China with an active interest in arms control and non-proliferation. The umbrella organization under which most are affiliated is the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD), an NGO in consultative status with the Environmental and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations. The CPAPD brings together groups comparable to the US Physicians for Social Responsibility or Federation of American Scientists to form a larger body. It has more than 24 member organizations from throughout the country. In addition to publishing a journal called Peace, the CPAPD has been a co-sponsor with the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP) in hosting visits of US scientists from the National Research Committee/CISAC, and has sent delegations of its own to Japan, Australia, and North Korea, among others. The CPAPD, in conjunction with the China Organizing Committee, hosts an annual "International Week of Science and Peace" at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Chinese Arms Control Organizations: A Basic Primer
Originally compiled by:

Wendy Frieman

Director of the Asia Technology Project

Science Applications International Corporation
 

Revised and updated by:

East Asia Nonproliferation Project

Center for Nonproliferation Studies

Monterey Institute of International Studies

Updated 06/20/2003