The People's Republic of China and the Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty

This article discusses the position of the People's Republic of China in the issue of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament in the context of the introduction of the Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty (NWPT) into the United Nations agenda and its adoption by a large number of countries. Currently, NWPT can be called the most controversial initiative in the disarmament process discussed by the international community. In spite of the disapproval of NWPT by the leading countries (the nuclear states, which are the UN Security Council permanent members, simultaneously being the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty-recognized nuclear powers), NWPT is promoted and advocated by many international actors, including non-nuclear states and non-governmental organizations. The article displays China's course towards NWPT in the entire context of the Chinese nuclear policy. The study is based on a large number of sources, including diplomatic documents, statements of Chinese officials, Chinese and foreign media. The authors conclude that China's policy towards NWPT and nuclear non-proliferation regime on the whole can be characterized as ambivalent. Beijing frequently uses double standards. Its statements in favor of nuclear weapons prohibition and elimination did not prevent it from boycotting NWPT. The internal policy of the Chinese state is aimed at nuclear arms buildup rather than disarmament. The variability of Chinese views can be explained with regard to its motivation to gain popularity among the poorest countries of the world and those who promote pacifist and denuclearization views. At the same time, it is evident that Chinese policy differs from that of the other recognized nuclear states, so it lacks solidarity with them. And the variability of China's position can also be traced in its relations with North Korea, which is regarded both as an ally, with which China continues trade in spite of international sanctions, and as a threat, which Beijing uses in order to characterize the level of risks in the international system and to justify its own change of rhetoric on the issue of nuclear weapons prohibition. A large number of experts in the field of nuclear non-proliferation agree that China's course in this sphere is complicated and ambivalent, but rather stable and primarily beneficial for Beijing. The People's Republic of China, in fact, permanently adheres to this course. Chinese experts in their publications prefer to state various recommendations for the international community about the nuclear non-proliferation policies. But, in spite of Beijing's speeches about the necessity of nuclear disarmament, the PRC will obviously avoid any real compromises and restrictions, as well as any increase in transparency of its nuclear sphere in the nearest perspective.

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