Welcome the public statements made by relevant nuclear-weapon State expressing willingness to be the first to sign the Protocol of the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. Urge nuclear-weapon States to strengthen communication and dialogues with Southeast Asian countries, and to sign and ratify relevant additional Protocol as soon as possible.

4. Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy

Reaffirm peaceful uses of nuclear energy is an inalienable right of all countries, which has great significance for promoting social and economic development, responding to global challenges including climate change and energy shortage, and realizing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Recall the actions committed in Pact for the Future, support developing countries in peacefully using science, technology and innovation to realize sustainable development.

Effort to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons should not undermine the legitimate rights of all countries, especially Global South countries, to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Firmly oppose the politicization of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the imposition of any inappropriate restrictions inconsistent with the NPT, which may disrupt and restrict normal international cooperation. Oppose any country using the excuse of non-proliferation to draw ideological lines, overstretch the concept of national security, or use export controls as a tool for decoupling and severing supply chains.

Call on States parties to jointly implement the “Promoting International Cooperation on the Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security” Resolution (A/RES/79/80) adopted at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, take concrete measures to fulfill obligations and commitments regarding peaceful uses, continue dialogue on promoting peaceful utilization and related international cooperation, and explore the formulation of guiding principles.

Support the initiative “Atom for Global South” and the continued central role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in promoting the uses of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Developed countries and institutions should, based on the actual needs of Global South nations, further increase assistance in uses of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including funding, technology and personnel. The IAEA should ensure that technical cooperation resources are sufficient, reliable and predictable, meet the growing needs of States parties for technical cooperation while giving priority to Global South nations. Encourage capable countries to continue providing and increasing voluntary contributions for technical cooperation activities aimed at uses of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

The rapid development of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence has significant implications for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The IAEA and the international community are encouraged to strengthen research cooperation in this field and promote equitable access to nuclear energy for all countries. (军控协会)