United nations: A Chinese envoy on Monday called on the international community to adopt a comprehensive approach to the control of small arms and light weapons, addressing both symptoms and root causes of the issue. “The international community should take concrete measures to promote economic growth and social stability in relevant countries, eliminate the root causes of poverty, violence, turmoil, and conflict, thus creating the conditions necessary for resolving the root causes of the small arms and light weapons issue,” said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, during a Security Council open debate.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Fu emphasized that all countries should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. He urged nations to commit themselves to the peaceful settlement of disputes and resolve global and regional security threats through dialogue and consultation, thus preventing new sources of conflict from emerging. Fu also called for collective efforts to improve the governance architecture of small arms and light weapons through multilateralism.

Fu stressed that the United Nations should play a pivotal role as the main channel for promoting the comprehensive and effective implementation of international legal instruments on small arms and light weapons. He advocated for enhancing the authority, universality, and effectiveness of relevant mechanisms. The Security Council, according to Fu, should provide political support for peace and reconciliation efforts and assist countries in post-conflict reconstruction to effectively address small arms proliferation.

The envoy urged countries to adopt responsible arms export policies and to stop using arms trade as a means of interfering in the internal affairs of other states. He advised caution in exporting weapons to conflict regions and refraining from transferring arms to non-state actors. Fu highlighted emerging challenges, such as 3-D printing, modular gun manufacturing, and craft-produced weapons, which complicate the control of small arms and light weapons. However, he noted that new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data offer new opportunities for strengthening control.

China, Fu asserted, advocates “technology for good” and calls for enhanced exchanges and cooperation under the UN framework to promote the governance of small arms and light weapons in a timely and forward-looking manner. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting and constructively participating in the governance of small arms and light weapons, fulfilling its international obligations, and maintaining a prudent approach to arms exports.

Fu concluded by stating that China is prepared to work with all parties to further advance the governance process, promote lasting peace, and build a world free from gun violence, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.