China adopts cautious, responsible attitude to trade of small arms

China adopts "a cautious and responsible attitude" toward the trade of small arms and light weapons, and is ready to work with the international community to promote a proper solution to the issue of illegitimate trade of such weapons in the world, a senior Chinese diplomat said at the UN headquarters on Thursday.

Liu Jieyi, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement as he was taking the floor at a high-level meeting at the UN Security Council on the issue of small arms and light weapons.

"China, with a cautious and responsible attitude, strictly abides by the principles of no infringement on regional peace and stability, and non-interference of internal affairs of other countries," Liu said, "China does not export any small arms and light weapons to any country, region or individual under the arms embargo imposed by the U.N. Security Council."

"China has always been opposed to illicit production of and trafficking in small arms and light weapons," Liu said, "We sympathize with the people of the concerned countries and regions who have suffered deeply as a result of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons."

The strengthened efforts to help concerned countries develop economy, promote stability and address the root causes of conflicts, terrorism and organized crimes are conducive to the appropriate solution to the issue of small arms and light weapons, he said.

Over the years, China has been very active in rendering international cooperation and strengthened domestic regulations, thus making great contributions to the world efforts to fight the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, he said.

The United Nations should play a dominant role in the global war against the illegitimate trade of small arms and light weapons, he added.