On Monday, China submitted a working paper on its “No first use of Nuclear Weapons Initiative” to the second session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons that opened in Geneva on Monday and runs to Aug 2.
China encourages the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to negotiate and conclude a treaty, agreeing to no first use of nuclear weapons, or to issue a political statement in this regard. This treaty will be conducive to international peace and security and set a positive example for other states, thus helping to create a favorable international environment for further progress in arms control and disarmament.
In the draft elements it presented as a basis for deliberation, China called on the other four parties to realize that nuclear war would have devastating consequences for all humanity and thus must never be fought, and they should be mindful of the primary responsibilities of the permanent members of the UNSC for the maintenance of world peace and security. It urged them to fully honor their commitment to work for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all types of weapons of mass destruction.
They should all undertake not to be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances, and they should undertake to support the early conclusion of a treaty on not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against nonnuclear weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones.
China has also proposed that the parties should have the right to withdraw from such a treaty if extraordinary events justify doing so.
China is ready to engage in in-depth discussions on this issue within the five-state framework, and hopes the other parties will demonstrate their willingness to do so.
China adheres to a no first use policy, based on its understanding that there will be no ultimate victor in a nuclear war, which would only bring huge disasters to humanity.
In the current international strategic security situation, China’s initiative is a practical step to enhance strategic mutual trust, avoid a dangerous nuclear arms race, effectively reduce strategic risks, and promote global balance and stability.