Exchanging Chinese and UK perspectives on arms proliferation
19 December 2011
Between 20 and 26 November, Saferworld hosted a visit of seven Chinese non-proliferation experts to the UK. The visit provided opportunities to exchange Chinese and UK perspectives on tackling arms proliferation and to discuss the security concerns of conflict-affected states. The delegation represented a broad sweep of the Chinese policy community from academic and military backgrounds.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with key actors from various UK organisations, universities, political parties, government ministries and the defence industry. Roundtable discussions at the Royal United Services Institute and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office provided opportunities for the Chinese delegates to present their perspectives on global efforts towards the non-proliferation of nuclear and conventional weapons.
Particularly noteworthy among the issues discussed was China’s involvement in the process leading to the conclusion of UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) negotiations in 2012. After its initial scepticism, China’s recent show of support for the ATT process has been widely welcomed. Participants at the roundtable events were keen to discuss how China might be more actively involved in shaping a robust and effective treaty.
Discussions around international efforts to counter arms proliferation continued at seminars held at the University of Nottingham and the London School of Economics. The focus here centred on human security, and particularly on China’s growing engagement in conflict-affected states. Students at the universities were given opportunities to question the Chinese experts and exchange views.
Meetings at the Royal College of Defence Studies and the House of Lords were also opportunities to deepen dialogue between UK and Chinese actors on a broad range of security issues. The week’s events were a constructive way to strengthen Saferworld’s relationship with its Chinese partners.
The visiting delegation included Li Hong (China Arms Control and Disarmament Association), Professor Ouyang Liping (Chinese Institute of Contemporary International Relations), Dr Dai Jian (China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies), Professor General Zhu Chenghu (National Defense University), Professor Xia Liping (Tongji University), Professor General Xu Jia (PLA Foreign Languages University) and Senior Colonel Wang Xinjun (PLA Academy of Military Science).
