The international community should strengthen co-operation to promote the healthy development of international arms control, disarmament and the non-proliferation process, says a top Chinese official.

All three are at a crucial point, according to Hu Xiaodi, the Chinese ambassador on disarmament affairs. He was speaking at the general debate of the First Committee of the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.

On the one hand, he said, international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation still play an important role in safeguarding world peace and stability. But multilateral arms control and the disarmament process are also facing difficulties and challenges, he added.

"It is the common and vital task of the international community to address these new threats and challenges, promote the healthy development of international arms control, disarmament and the non-proliferation process and build a new century of peace, justice, democracy and prosperity," Hu stressed.

He called on the international community to implement new measures. These include security concepts focusing on equality, trust, mutual benefits and co-operation, and preserving the regime of international arms control. Other measures would be disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and a strengthening of multilateral arms control and disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

Hu also said efforts should be made to resolve problems in those areas by political and diplomatic means within the existing framework of international law.

He added that a multilateralism path should be followed to achieve common security.

Hu stressed that China has always adopted a responsible attitude regarding international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, and said the nation promotes them.

On September 1, the government published a White Paper on China's Endeavours for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-proliferation, which set out the country's policies and efforts, he pointed out.

"The White Paper demonstrates that the policies and measures China has adopted have been active, earnest and constructive," Hu said.

"It also shows that China has always been an accountable and firm force preserving world peace and promoting common development and international co-operation," he concluded.

Source: China Daily