China explains abstention over nuclear disarmament

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei Tuesday explained the reasons for China's abstention over the newly-approved disarmament resolution sponsored by Japan that called for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

Hong said part of the resolution was not in conformity with the principles that China advocates after a daily press briefing.

He said China upholds that nuclear disarmament should follow the principles of maintaining global strategic stability and undiminished security for all.

Certain parts of the resolution go beyond the final document approved in the 2010 Review Conference on Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, he added, without specifying details.

"China always stands for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons," he said.

The resolution was approved Monday by a disarmament committee at the U.N. General Assembly.