What’s in China’s new arms control White Paper? Five key takeaways explained
China has released a major white paper setting out its position on global arms control and emerging security threats. It has also outlined its plans to play a more prominent role in international security governance.
The document, titled “China’s Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in the New Era,” was published on Thursday by the State Council Information Office. Here are a few takeaways from the document;
- Multilateralism
The white paper presents China as a supporter of the United Nations-centred global order and a “builder of world peace.” It further reiterates Beijing’s calls for countries to uphold existing treaties on nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and argues that developing nations should have a greater say in international security frameworks.
China says it “conscientiously fulfils” its obligations under major arms control treaties, though several Western governments have previously accused Beijing of opacity in areas such as nuclear modernisation.
- Nuclear policy
The country has further restated its long-held positions on nuclear weapons, including its “no-first-use” pledge and opposition to nuclear arms races. It calls for global reductions in nuclear arsenals but does not indicate that China intends to cut its own stockpile, which US intelligence agencies believe is expanding.
China accused unnamed states of destabilising global security through military alliances and missile defence systems.
- Emerging technologies
One of the most important sections concerns outer space, cyberspace and artificial intelligence, areas the white paper calls “new territories of global governance.”
China proposes, amongst others, international norms for cyber operations and global oversight of AI systems with military applications. The document warns that rapid developments in emerging technologies could undermine global stability if not properly regulated.
- Domestic safeguards
China says it is strengthening its internal non-proliferation controls and improving oversight of sensitive technologies. It also noted that it is advancing programmes aimed at supporting developing countries to use advanced technologies for peaceful purposes.
- A multipolar world
The white paper concludes by linking arms control to China’s diplomatic agenda, and calls for an “equal and orderly multipolar world” and a “community with a shared future for humanity”.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
