18 August, 2008, Geneva

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, please allow me to congratulate on your assumption of the Chairmanship of the 2008 Meeting of Experts to the Biological Weapons Convention (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention"). The Beijing Olympic Games is under way. We are confident that your rich experience and diplomatic skill will make the arena of biological arms control as brilliant as the Olympic Games. The Chinese delegation pledges its full support to the conduct of your work. Since the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) initiated its work in last August, the ISU has played an active role in the implementation of the Convention and deepening the exchanges and cooperation among States Parties and made significant contributions for the preparations of this meeting. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the ISU.

Mr. Chairman,

The past few years have witnessed the fast development of biological technologies and information techniques. The risks of acquisition of the dangerous biological agents by terrorists and non-state actors are increasing. Traditional and non-traditional security threats are intertwined. The dimension of the implementation measures of the Convention has been constantly expanded, which not only cover the traditional security issues such as prohibition of biological weapons and prevention of proliferation of such weapons, but also the non-traditional issues including bio-terrorism, biosafety and biosecurity, prevalence of epidemics. Such changes bring about a higher standard for States Parties on the full implementation of the Convention.

In such circumstances, China supports a comprehensive exploration on issues related to the implementation of the Convention, including biosafety and biosecurity, through Meetings of Experts and States Parties, with a view to promoting the multilateral process of biological arms control.

Mr. Chairman,

The rapid developments of biological technologies make crucial contribution to the prosperity of the society. However, some accomplishments, if abused or misused, could cause catastrophe to the humankind. This is the common challenge faced by the whole international community. China submitted to the meeting two Working Papers respectively on Biosafety & Biosecurity and Oversight of Science, Education and Awareness Raising, Codes of Conduct. In the following days, the Chinese delegation will give detailed introductions on China's practice and perspectives through presentations and poster.

Mr. Chairman,

Strengthening biosafety and biosecurity and improving oversight of the life sciences have been important aspects in the implementation of the Convention and have crucial and practical significance on the prevention of acquiring biological weapons related materials and technologies by terrorists and non-state actors and preventing the life sciences from being used for malign purposes. China suggests the following in this regard:

First, States Parties should take effective measures in the following areas: to strengthen laboratory protective measures and prevent unauthorized access to the facilities with high risks; to reinforce management of pathogenic microorganisms; to establish accreditation system on the qualifications and capabilities of organizations and individuals engaged in biological research and development activities; to carry out risk assessments on the research of the life sciences. Since different countries have different scientific development levels and various management systems, States Parties are encouraged to adopt Codes of Conduct according to their own national situations on a voluntary basis.

Secondly, States Parties should also promote the international cooperation, including making full use of the resources and achievements of relevant international organizations with a view to improving national oversight system of the life sciences. Meanwhile, the competent countries are encouraged to provide assistance to the countries which are in need.

Mr. Chairman,

China has all along attached great importance to implementation measures related to biosafety and biosecurity and implemented all the provisions of the Convention as well as the Security Council Resolution 1540 in a comprehensive and stringent manner. The effective measures have been taken on laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, personnel protection and biosecurity measures, control of pathogenic microorganisms and establishment of emergency response system, which improved the emergency response capacity to public health emergencies and bioterrorism activities.

In recent years, with the establishment of supervising bodies such as the Committee on Biosafety of Laboratories and the Committee on Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organism, China has constantly improved its oversight system of the life sciences. Through holding seminars and training courses on laboratory biosafety management and preparedness of emergency response to bio-terrorism activities, China has reinforced education and awareness raising of the Convention. By promulgating laws, regulations and relevant ethical criterion, China has regulated the activities of scientists and helped them implement the Convention consciously.

Mr. Chairman,

China will continue to be fully engaged in the discussion in a constructive manner, with a view to achieving fruitful outcome in cooperation with other States Parties.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.