China hosts P5 nuclear conference

The P5 conference on nuclear non-proliferation has opened in Beijing. During the two-day talks, delegations from China, the US, Russia, the UK and France will discuss frameworks and future dialogue for ongoing negotiation on global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong is set to address the opening ceremony.

A global effort for a world free of nuclear weapons. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or the NPT, recognizes five states as nuclear weapons states. In order of acquisition, these are the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and China. The exact number of their nuclear warheads is a closely-held national secret, but here are some best estimates.

The US with around 7,700 nuclear warheads, slightly lower than Russia at 8500. The United Kingdom is the third to test its nuclear weapons, and holds about 225 today, France has 300 and China with an estimate of 250.

Four other states are believed to have conducted nuclear tests. More than two decades after the cold war, the world's nuclear inventory is still at a high level, making disarmament the most important goal.

"In the past years, the US and the Russian Federation have reached a number of treaties reduce significantly their stock of nuclear weapons, and deployed warheads. We are expected to see more reduction in the future. The NPT is also the most important forum where we discuss issues like Iran, DPRK nuclear issue. Hopefully an agreement or understanding reached in this conference will also contribute to the review conference in 2015." Chen Kai, Secretary General of China Arms Control And Disarmament Assoc., said.

The corner stone of the international nuclear disarmament efforts, the NPT entered into force in 1970. It was then reviewed every five years, until it was indefinitely extended in 1995, giving the international legal norm permanent status.

It was designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology, work towards of the goal of complete disarmament, and promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. State delegations get together every year in a preparatory meeting to take stock of progress made, and new achievements that are needed. Chen says China has been a solid supporter of the three pillars of the NPT.

"China upholds a long standing policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. China's also advocating strongly the peaceful use of nuclear energy..." Chen said.

Officials from the five delegations will discuss practical steps to enhance nuclear security and safety. Their efforts will bring a step closer to the goal of nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of the nuclear energy.