The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

POSITION PAPER
THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO THE 62nd UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISARMAMENT AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY COMMITTEE THE MILITARY BUDGET REDUCTION AND THE RISK OF NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION IN MIDDLE EAST

CONTENTS

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

Peoples Republic of Chinas Perception on Reduction on Military Budget and The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in Middle East agenda ... 3 I. II. Reduction on Military Budget 3 The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in Middle East 4

Peoples Republic of Chinas position on Reduction on Military Budget and The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in Middle East agenda .. 6 I. II. Reduction on Military Budget . 6 The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in Middle East . 8

Conclusion . 12 Reference ... 14

Peoples Republic of Chinas Perception on Reduction on Military Budget and The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in Middle East agenda

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

I.

Reduction on Military Budget

The complex situations in the international community create profound changes in the world. Peace and development of mankind are still faced with challenges that allow no neglect. Traditional and non-traditional security threats are still challenging. Despite the great hopes cherished by all countries for the international arms control and non-proliferation process, different views regarding priorities of its agenda still remain. High military budget happened to be the direct effect on these uncertainties in international relations. In 2005, worldwide military expenditure has already reached 2.5% of world GDP, and keeps rising annually.
i

Our country sees it as something inevitable, but still controllable.

We can not abandon the needs of countries in the world to protect their homeland and national interests, which should be done in one condition, through peaceful way. The international situation at the present time is relatively stable but not utterly peaceful, that conditions influence the increases of military budget over many countries. Furthermore, the involvement of some countries in conflict area and the increasing of government revenue also play a big role in the growth of worldwide military budget. The rise of advance technology and knowledge also drive further the attempt to safeguard countrys sovereignty and national interests. States struggle hard to defend their people and homeland from threats. However, it create further problem when the increase of military budget seems to create security dilemma or even arms race. The increasing on military budget should be harmonious with the growth of its economy and balanced with other aspect of life.

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

Since, it will become the most senses reason to be a real threat if the states not concern about that. Therefore, we should committed ourselves and warn other States to reduce military budget for that circumstances. There is a tendency that the increasing of military budget will create security dilemma among countries. Moreover, the occurrence of suspicions on military expenditure also becomes the negative effect that came arise from these phenomena. These suspicions will only lead us to unhealthy relationship and create instability in international relations. Nevertheless, our country believes that high military budgets trend will not affect the international peace and security. As long as all the countries have the same commitment on being transparent on their military expenditure. China believes that the genuine threat is if states are not being transparent and create doubts on others intention. We should build mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination among countries through military transparency. This commitment will bring us to solidity and eliminate suspicions between states. II. The Risks of Nuclear Proliferation in Middle East

Peace and development remain the principal themes in today's world. The overall international security environment remains stable. But, uncertainties and destabilizing factors are on the increase, such as nuclear weapons proliferation issue. Now, this issue is of increasing concern in the broader region of the Middle East. Nuclear proliferation become a major problem to be discussed because of the threats are continuously emerging in this region. Middle East region is very identical with the term conflict. There are a lot of potential conflicts that lead into an enormous one, and this conflict could happen anytime without previously giving sign and warning. The conflicts do not only happen between Middle East states, but also involves the tribes in its nation and

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

even states from different regions. In addition, conflict escalation in the Middle East is likely unpredictable. Therefore, the regional security in Middle East has not become into a stable area. Talking about this condition, Peoples Republic of China also believes that the fear it is not only the unstable condition in Middle East but also about the tendencies to competition of using the missile technology to build better weapons that eventually could carry nuclear warheads. The term proliferation is a definition that more states acquiring nuclear weapons.ii Therefore, China sees that the proliferation of nuclear is a definition that leads into the possession of the nuclear weapons by other state. Thus, non-proliferation is a description of the efforts to prevent the possession of nuclear weapons by other country. This definition according to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), that signed by China in 1984, in which the treaty is the agreement among nuclear powers not to transfer nuclear weapons technology and among non-nuclear powers not to acquire it. The Peoples Republic of China sees that regional security and proliferation of weapon of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear weapon, are closely interrelated.iii With the unstable condition, the Middle East area has potential to proliferate nuclear as a weapon. If one country in Middle East could proliferate nuclear as a weapon, this could threaten other non-nuclear states in Middle East or even other countries outside Middle East. Furthermore, the nuclear proliferation could lead into arms race or even into nuclear wars. Therefore, we see that nuclear proliferation in Middle East will only brings the harmful effect and it also has perilous risk for all international society. Moreover, we see, between nuclear proliferation and terrorism, each influence one another. Middle East region and nuclear issues remain unsettled and the risks of acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by terrorist groups and other non-state entities are growing. Basically, China always firmly opposes terrorism of all

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

forms including nuclear terrorism.iv Thus we support the purposes and principles of Global Initiative to combat nuclear terrorism, especially in Middle East region. According to the peril of nuclear proliferation in Middle East, Peoples Republic of China has always stood for the prohibition and destruction of all nuclear weapons, and is definitely against the proliferation of nuclear weapon and their means of delivery in Middle East area. We do not support, encourage, or assist any country in developing nuclear weapon and their means of delivery. Peoples Republic of Chinas position on Reduction on Military Budget and The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in Middle East agenda I. Reduction on Military Budget

As for China, the high military budget trend is not something we should be disagree with, but something we are intending to do gradually. In the past two decades, China has been shifting the focus of its work to economic development, so national defense should be both subordinated to and serve the country's overall economic development. In accordance to our economy growth, we decided to advance our military capability in a very moderate and reasonable way. It aimed at safeguarding our sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as world and regional peace and stability and also promoting common development. Basically design to enhance the originally our weak defence foundation. There are some concerns from others, that our military capability will be used to obtain our national interest in irresponsible way. China firmly pursues a road of peaceful development, and has all along practiced a national defense policy that is purely defensive in nature. Furthermore, we already stressed that the important thing in the military budget issue is being transparent and have reasonable

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

argument in doing so. That is why others shall not put any dispute on our military budget.

As well, China attaches importance to the control of its military expenditure. Guided by the principle of coordinated development of national defense and the economy, the Chinese Government decides on the size and use of military expenditure in an appropriate way to meet its economic development level. The United Nation Resolution 35/142 B concerning reduction on military budget attach the importance of systematic reporting of military expenditures as an significant pace in forming agreed and balanced reductions on military expenditures. This action should be taken to put off the nervous ness among States. Transparency is the important key to build mutual trust, and to reduce international tension concerning high military budget. China has been advocating and seriously practicing the new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination. Therefore, China already determined to report basic data of its military expenditures for the latest fiscal year annually to the Secretary-General of the United Nations based on United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/44. We truly comprehend the great importance of military transparency to obliterate suspicions and construct mutual trust among states. Therefore, China hopes other States to follow and take the same action with us. President of Peoples Republic of China, Mr. Hu Jintao, addressed at 80th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), that China will gradually increased its military budget as the economy grows. v Modernization of the military force is our goal in attempt to protect our people and country, as sovereign state with long borders on land and in sea border. Chinese government will not insist to increase its military budget if it is not balanced with other aspect in our community lives.

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

China also fully aware other States concern on its high military budget. But one thing to be acknowledged, China has a strict system of financial appropriation of

military budget. For instance, China military forces, The Peoples Liberation Army, budgeting are based on the defense development strategy, military building objectives and annual military tasks set by the state. Budgeting units at each level carry out studies to decide on their budget items, make calculations of their requests for funds and then report to the next-higher authorities. Furthermore, the increasing of our military budget lately is for realistic reasons. The increased part of China's defence expenditure is principally used for increasing salaries and allowances of military personnel and improving their living conditions, increasing investment in weaponry and equipment and infrastructure, supporting the training of military personnel, compensating for price rise, increasing expenses for international cooperation in non-traditional security field. China hopes that States encompass same perspective and standard arguments on the increasing of their military budget. China needs a peaceful and stable international environment for its development. Mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation, and supports the important role played by the United Nations in promoting transparency in armaments and mutual trust in the field of security among States are the important things for our government to concern. China's development will further promote international peace and security. II. The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in Middle East

The world has been a witness of how the dangerous risks from nuclear weapon destroyed a region and made thousand people killed.vi Thus, Peoples Republic of China positively support international non-proliferation efforts, and support for

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

the achievement of the non-proliferation goal in Middle East. We hold that the fundamental purpose of non-proliferation is to safeguard and promote international and regional peace and security, and non-proliferation measures should be conducive to achieving this goal.

In addition, Peoples Republic of China is one of the countries that also put a high commitment in nuclear proliferation issue. We believe that nuclear disarmament is a paramount disarmament concern. This is supported with statement by our ambassador, Hu Xiaodi, at the General Debate of the First Committee of the 60 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly:vii
"The Chinese nation loves peace and China is a responsible country in the international community. China has all along adopted a highly responsible attitude in the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation field and taken practical measures to promote the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation cause.

Based upon that, China persists in continuing its peaceful development road to cope with the issue. We definitely support for the achievement of the nonproliferation goal through political, diplomatic and other peaceful means in Middle East. On the one hand, the international non-proliferation mechanism should be constantly improved and export controls of individual countries further strengthened; on the other hand, proliferation issues should be dealt with through dialogue and international cooperation.viii Peoples Republic of China as a permanent member of United Nations Security Council has a responsibility to maintain international security and peace. We see that the nuclear proliferation issue in Middle East could threaten international security and stability, and it is very important to solve rapidly. Peoples Republic of China alone could not make the stability of international security and peace, but we need support from international community in solving this issue. Therefore, we call international community to support and take part in every step that could solve this problem.

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

Creating peace in Middle East area is the first step to prevent from nuclear proliferation. Since the proliferation of nuclear weapon and their means of delivery have its complicated causes and, as stated before, are closely related to the international and regional security environment. Peoples Republic of China sees that with promoting the universal improvement of international relations,

achieving security for all states in Middle East, and fairly and reasonably settling relevant regional security issues in Middle East will be favourable to nonproliferation efforts to proceed in a smooth manner.ix Hence, international community and all parties concerned should make further efforts to promote and support the peace process in the Middle East. These efforts should be done in a spirit of reconciliation, in order to enhance substantively the peace and stability in the region.x It has to be done in the manner of the basic principles of international law based on United Nations Charter. Peoples Republic of China supports the proposals of and the efforts by Middle East countries to establish Nuclear Weapon Free Zone and other WMDs in the Middle East. Nevertheless, support from one country would not make it true. Thus, it is needed support from international community. The efforts by the countries in the Middle East should be welcomed and supported by the international community. Concrete efforts should be made to promote the establishment of such a zone in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolutions, the Resolution on the Middle East adopted at the 1995 Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review and Extension Conference, and relevant provisions of the Final Document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference.xi The support and participation of international community in non-proliferation efforts is the important means to solve the nuclear proliferation issue in Middle East. Through the signing of NPT and nuclear under control by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are two of many non-proliferation efforts that international community could support and participate. We hope from the joining

10

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

of international community in the non-proliferation efforts could prevent or even stop the nuclear proliferation and promote nuclear disarmament in Middle East. We maintain that universal participation of the international community in nonproliferation efforts is essential and that a fair, rational and non-discriminatory nature of the non-proliferation regime must be ensured. Both the improvemen the existing mechanisms and the establishment of new ones should be based on the universal participation of all countries and democratic decision making process. Unilateralism and double standards should be abandoned, and great importance is attached and full play given to the role of the United Nations.xii Another means to solve the nuclear proliferation issue is to strengthening NonProliferation export control system. Peoples Republic of China views that the effective export control serves as an important means to pursue the nonproliferation goal. As a country with certain capacity in industry, science and technology, China has adopted highly responsible policies and measures in this regard. After years of endeavours, we have completed a transition in nonproliferation export control from an administrative pattern to one based on law with relevant measures basically in line with common international practices.xiii However, this effort could not work if only just one state which implemented it. Thus, we call for international community to strengthening their non-proliferation export control system to prevent nuclear proliferation in Middle East area. Peoples Republic of China sees that to preventing the nuclear weapon proliferation in Middle East is needed the peaceful uses of nuclear as the energy. We really support the used of nuclear as the energy. We see that it is one of the fundamental objectives of the NPT and the Statute of the IAEA to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the relevant international cooperation. Enhanced efforts in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are conducive to a comprehensive realization of all the objectives of the NPT.xiv

11

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

Peoples Republic of China stressed that the prevention of nuclear weapons proliferation and promotion of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy are mutually complementary to each other. The non-proliferation efforts should not undermine the legitimate rights of countries, especially the developing countries, and it should be done in the manner of the international law.

CONCLUSION Threats are become more challenging, as they became more complex in the development of globalization process around the world. States concertedly defend their homeland, people, and their other interests with several actions that create anxiety in the world communities. We should cope this with the consent of mutual trust among States and cooperation, in the faith of peoples hope on peace and development in all over countries. High military budget seems to be the direct effect in the states attempt to defend their people and homeland security. This policy has made some countries worried that it will create security dilemma, or even arms race. Moreover, The Peoples Republic of China sees high military budget will not affect international peace and security directly. China believes that the genuine threat is if states are not being transparent and create doubts on others intention. States should build mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination among countries through military transparency. This commitment will bring us to solidity and eliminate suspicions between states. The commitment of international community also needed in solving the nuclear proliferation in Middle East area. We all know how the perils of nuclear weapon have killed thousand of peoples, and we do not want the dreadful experience to reiterate again. Thus, Peoples Republic of China opposes the nuclear proliferation in Middle East and calls to the international community to support and participate in the efforts of nuclear non-proliferation, particularly for the establish the Nuclear Weapon Free

12

The Peoples Republic of China To the 62nd United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee

Zone in Middle East area, in the manner of the basic principles of international law based on United Nations Charter and without any discrimination to any States.

13

ii

iii

iv

vi

vii

viii

ix

xi xii

xiii

xiv

http://yearbook2006.sipri.org/chap8 Michael G. Roskin and Nicholas O. Berry, 2002, The New World of International Relations, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Hal. 211-21 Peoples Republic of China, 2007, Nuclear Issues in the Middle East--Working Paper submitted by China at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Review Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjfywj/t317998.htm Peoples Republic of China, 2007, Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viewed on 1 November 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjlc/hwt/fdhkb/t141314.htm China marks PLA's 80th birthday with grand rally, http://www.idcpc.org.cn/english/events/070801.htm viewed on 30 October 2007 Preventing Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East: Is a "Nuclear Free Zone" Possible?, viewed on October 26th 2007, at 01.20am http://www.stormingmedia.us/32/3224/A322424.html Statement by Ambassador Hu Xiaodi at the General Debate of the First Committee of the 60th Session of the United Nations General Assembly http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/jkxw/t215142.htm, viewed on October 27th 2007, at 03.09pm Peoples Republic of China, 2007, China's Non-Proliferation Policy and Measures, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjlc/fkswt/fkszc/t141197.htm Ibid Peoples Republic of China, 2007, Nuclear Issues in the Middle East--Working Paper submitted by China at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Review Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjfywj/t317998.htm ibid Peoples Republic of China, 2007, China's Non-Proliferation Policy and Measures, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjlc/fkswt/fkszc/t141197.htm Ibid Peoples Republic of China, 2007, Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy--Working Paper submitted by China at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Review Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjfywj/t317993.htm

REFERENCE Peoples republic of China, 2007, Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone--Working Paper submitted by China at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Review Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjfywj/t317988.htm

Peoples Republic of China, 2007, Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy--Working Paper submitted by China at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Review Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjfywj/t317993.htm Peoples Republic of China, 2007, Nuclear Issues in the Middle East--Working Paper submitted by China at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Review Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjfywj/t317998.htm Peoples Republic of China, 2007, China's Non-Proliferation Policy and Measures, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 19 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjlc/fkswt/fkszc/t141197.htm Peoples Republic of China, 2007, China's Defense Expenditure, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 04 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/kjlc/zgjf/t141336.htm Peoples Republic of China, 2007, Remarks by Mrs. Jiang Yu, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, on China's Participation in the UN Military Transparency Mechanism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, viewed on 04 October 2007, http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/jks/jkxw/t358456.htm

Nation adheres to the "path of peace", viewed on 24 October 2007, http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/xw/t300167.htm China to report military spending to UN , viewed on 24 October 2007 http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-09-02-1535173591_x.htm World Military Spending by Anup Shah, viewed on 27 October 2007, http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/ArmsTrade/Spending.asp

China's Military More Transparent to Int'l Community, viewed on 27 October 2007, http://www.china.org.cn/english/China/223551.htm China marks PLA's 80th birthday with grand rally, viewed on 30 October 2007, http://www.idcpc.org.cn/english/events/070801.htm