China contributes to destruction of Syrian chemical weapons

China's participation in the destruction of Syria's chemical stockpiles contributes to world peace and stability, special coordinator of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations Joint Mission said Wednesday.

Sigrid Kaag highly praised the efforts of the Chinese government during her visit to the Chinese frigate Yancheng, which anchored at the southern Cypriot port of Limassol for resupply. Liu Xinsheng, the Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus, accompanied her in the visit.

Kaag said China has fulfilled its strong commitment to world peace and security as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council by engaging in the shipping and escort mission in response to an appeal from the OPCW and the United Nations.

China, Russia, the United States and Denmark have carried out effective cooperation in the shipping and destruction of the Syrian chemical arsenal and continue to play a positive role in the political settlement of the Syrian issue, she added.

In accordance with the decision of the OPCW on the removal of Syria's chemical weapons and U.N. Security Council Resolution 2118 in September 2013, the chemical weapons will be transported out of Syria and will be delivered to an American vessel for destruction.

Vessels from China, Russia, Denmark and Norway are helping escort the transportation of chemical weapons. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu hailed the joint escort operation as a model for international cooperation to tackle security risks.

The deadline for destroying Syria's entire chemical weapons program is June 30, 2014.