5 June 2025
President,
I thank High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing.
China’s position on the issue of chemical weapons is consistent. We firmly oppose the use of chemical weapons by any country, organization, or individual, under any circumstance for any purpose. The use of chemical weapons is not to be tolerated at any time anywhere. We express the hope for an early realization of a world free of chemical weapons.
China supports the OPCW in discharging its duties and responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, and encourages its technical secretariat to strengthen communication and cooperation with the Syrian interim authorities in a scientific, open, and transparent spirit. We recognize the recent positive interactions between the two parties. As a state party to the Convention, Syria should fully implement its obligations under the Convention to destroy all chemical weapons and their production facilities. We hope that all parties will work together to secure an early and once-and-for-all solution to the issue of chemical weapons in Syria.
Syria is currently facing a fragile security landscape and grave counter-terrorism situation. Recently, the country has been rocked by several violent terrorist attacks. There are increasing risks that terrorist organizations and extremist forces will take advantage of the current chaos to grow and stage a comeback. The international community should remain highly vigilant about the possible scenario where terrorist forces in Syria may manufacture, acquire, or use chemical weapons. We are concerned about the relevant reports that foreign terrorist fighters based in Syria have recently been integrated into the Syrian national army, and we urge the Syrian interim authorities to fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations. They must take all necessary measures to combat all terrorist organizations and individuals listed by the Security Council, including the ETIM, and prevent dangerous chemicals and chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists.
President,
The political transition in Syria is at a critical juncture. China sincerely hopes that peace and stability will return to Syria at an early date, and for that, we call on all relevant parties in Syria to work under the guidance of the principles of Council Resolution 2254 to fully engage and consult with each other, build maximum consensus, and push forward in an orderly manner a broad and inclusive political transition. At the same time, it is important, with the help of the international community, to alleviate the humanitarian situation and begin the economic reconstruction. China supports the UN in playing an important role in this process.
Thank you, President.