Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

The First Committee of the 76th United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday has approved a draft resolution submitted by China on international security and arms control, which is a concrete action initiated by China to uphold multilateralism, safeguard world peace and promote common development, reflecting the common position of developing countries and serving the interests of the entire international community, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. 

The draft resolution proposed by China, "Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security," stressed the importance of peaceful uses of science and technology for economic and social development, and urged all countries to remove unreasonable restrictions on peaceful uses of science and technology for developing countries while fulfilling obligations on non-proliferation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Thursday's routine press conference. 

It was the first time in 30 years that China had proposed a measure on international arms control and disarmament issues in the UN, according to the Xinhua News Agency. 

The adoption of the draft resolution marked the beginning of an open, inclusive and fair dialogue process within the framework of the UN General Assembly, and is of great significance to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of all countries in the peaceful use of science and technology and properly addressing security challenges posed by scientific and technological development, Wang said. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the UN, and this draft resolution is a concrete action taken by China to uphold multilateralism, safeguard world peace and promote common development, Wang said, noting that China will continue to work with other parties to advance the dialogue process under the framework of the UN General Assembly.

Geng Shuang, head of the Chinese delegation to the UN General Assembly and deputy-permanent representative to the United Nations, said that in the face of the technological wave, the peace and rights enjoyed by all countries should be respected and protected.

The passage of the draft resolution at the UNGA indicates China's rising influence on international strategic security and presents China's positive constructive role in international arms control and disarmament. 

Twenty-six countries including Cuba, Russia, Syria and Pakistan participated in the joint proposal of China's resolution, which presents the appeals and concerns of developing countries on the peaceful use of new technologies.