For several years after the end of the Cold War, the overall international situation moved towards relaxation. Against such backdrop, a series of achievements have been scored in multilateral disarmament, which have played a positive role in maintaining world peace and security. However, some recent developments in international situation undermined the favorable environment essential for the advancement of international disarmament efforts.

First, clinging to the Cold War mentality, some countries expand and strengthen their military alliances and seek global hegemony. Such moves have adverse impact on mutual trust and cooperation among countries. Second, under the pretext of humanitarianism and preaching so-called " human rights taking precedence over sovereignty", NATO bypassed the UN Security Council and launched indiscriminate air strikes against Yugoslavia, a sovereign state, and even blatantly bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade. This runs counter to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, infringes upon the principle of national sovereignty, and makes havoc of international peace and security. Third, in pursuit of its own "absolute security", some country intensifies its efforts to develop and proliferate advanced anti-missile systems, posing a direct threat to the global strategic stability. These developments have rendered military factor more prominent in international relations, and will not only hamper international disarmament efforts, but also put at risk the achievements already attained in disarmament and the existing international non-proliferation regimes.

At present, the priority for the international community is to fight against hegemonism and practice of aggression and expansion, and to forge a new just and fair international order. Only by so doing, could a favorable international environment be created for arms control and disarmament. The UN Security Council should play a leading role in international security affairs. This is the basis for establishing a new international order. No regional political or military organization should bypass or even override the UN Security Council. It is the hope of China to join hands with other peace-loving countries to make unremitting efforts for further progress in international arms control and disarmament.