(Translation, please check against delivery)

Mr. Chairman,

At the outset, please allow me to congratulate on your assumption of the Chairmanship of the 2010 Meeting of Experts to the Biological Weapons Convention (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention"). We are confident that your rich diplomatic experience will lead the meeting to bear positive and beneficial results. The Chinese delegation pledges you its full support in the discharge of your duty.

Mr. Chairman,

The topic for this year's meeting is "provision of assistance and coordination with relevant organization upon request by any State Party in the case of alleged use of biological or toxin weapons, including improving national capabilities for disease surveillance, detection and diagnosis and public health systems." Presently, the non-traditional security threats such as pandemic infectious diseases and public health emergencies of great concern pose a serious challenge to global security. The use of biological weapons or bioterrorist attacks may result in an outbreak of diseases or public health emergency. Timely and effective response and assistance maintain close relevance to the provisions of the investigation and assistance of the Convention and also a kind of practical need of many States Parties. China holds that:

I. States Parties bear primary responsibilities in response to and investigation of alleged use of biological weapons. Therefore States Parties should take appropriate measures to establish and improve response and investigation mechanisms according to their own circumstances and enhance their capacity building in disease surveillance, anti-bioterrorism, public health response and investigation.

II. China supports States Parties carry out assistance according to Article VII of the Convention. States Parties may provide assistance upon the request of the State party in the face of danger as a result of alleged use of biological weapons.

III. The relevant international organizations such as World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations can play an active role in helping States Parties enhancing their capacity building in the field of disease surveillance, control and response. Upon requests from States Parties, the above-mentioned international organizations may, within their mandates, provide assistance in public health and humanitarian field to States Parties which have practical difficulties.

IV. Investigation of alleged use of biological weapons is a complicated and sensitive issue. Any State Party may lodge a complaint with the Security Council according to Article VI of the Convention. If the Security Council decides to initiate an investigation, such investigation should be conducted under the aegis of the Security Council.

Mr. Chairman,

China has submitted to the meeting two Working Papers, respectively entitled China's Preparedness for and Response to Public Health Emergencies and China's Views and Propositions on the International Assistance and Coordination in the Case of Alleged Use of Biological Weapons, which present measures and views of China in a comprehensive manner. Here I would like to provide a brief introduction on some of measures China has taken in responding public health emergencies.

Chinese government attaches great importance to the response to public health emergencies and has established a unified system for the prevention and control of any public health emergency, as well as reporting, intelligence and information release systems. Security protection of key facilities has been strengthened. Measures have been taken to reinforce the inspection, quarantine and control of dangerous and harmful biological agents. National emergency response material reserve system for public health emergencies has been continually improved.

China has kept improving contingency plan systems for public health emergencies and formulated emergency contingency plans at all levels. An inter-agency and cross-region mechanism for joint prevention and control has been put in place, including departments from Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Civil Affairs etc. Technical agencies such as medical care agencies, disease prevention and control agencies, health supervision departments, and border inspection and quarantine departments are responsible for investigation, analysis, diagnosis and treatment, emergency response and control, health supervision and accident assessment.

Knowledge on the protection against bioterrorist attacks has been included in school education and publicity plans. Training activities and contingency drills have been organized to enhance public awareness.

Mr. Chairman,

The Seventh Review Conference of the Convention will be held in Geneva next year. States Parties should take full advantage of this opportunity and seriously consider and explore ways to further enhance the authority, effectiveness and universalization of the Convention under new circumstances so that the Convention can keep pace with the times and play a greater role.

Here, I would like to take this opportunity to share with Mr. Chairman and States Parties the following information: China, Canada and ISU will co-host an international workshop on Strengthening International Efforts to Prevent the Proliferation of Biological Weapons: the Role of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention in Beijing, China in this November. The workshop will provide a forum for preparation for the incoming Review Conference and for discussion of full range of issues surrounding the Review Conference such as objectives and outcomes of the Review Conference and the future for the biological arms control process etc. China is full of anticipations towards this workshop and will try her best to ensure the success of the workshop. We hope the workshop will allow for a free and wide-ranging exchange of ideas by all participants and contributes to the success of the Review Conference.

Mr. Chairman, China will be engaged in the discussions of this meeting in a constructive manner, and will work with you to facilitate the meeting to a success.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.