Q: It is learned that the five nuclear states have come to an agreement with the ASEAN on the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. Please brief us on that.

A: The five nuclear states held consultation with the ASEAN on issues concerning the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty in Bali, Indonesia from November 12 to 14. Thanks to their concerted efforts, the parties have reached an agreement on resolving all the outstanding issues of the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. According to relevant provisions of the Protocol, the five nuclear states, namely China, the US, Russia, the UK and France should assume the obligation of not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against the signatories to the Treaty upon signing and ratifying the Protocol.

China attaches great importance to developing with the ASEAN the strategic partnership for peace and prosperity and actively supports the establishment of the Southeast Asia nuclear-weapon-free zone. As early as the 1990s, China stated clearly that it will take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty once it is open to signing. China will work together with all relevant parties to put the Protocol into force at an early date.