China accuses US of unilateralism after joining global arms trade treaty at UN

China took a veiled swipe at United States after it joined a global arms tre treaty on July 6, depositing instrument of accession to Arms Tre Treaty (ATT) of China to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. China’s UN ambassor, Zhang Jun, accused United States of bullying and unilateralism by walking away from international obligations.

“Certain country...walked away from international commitments, and launched acts of unilateralism and bullying,” Zhang said in a statement.

treaty was signed by n-US President Barack Obama but was never ratified by Senate after opposition from National Rifle Association. Later, US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to revoke signatory status, informing UN chief that Washington h legal obligations from its 2013 signature.

“This has brought huge uncertainties to global strategic balance and stability, and seriously undermined joint efforts of all countries to tackle global challenges,” said Zhang, ding that major powers need to set an example by contributing to safeguarding international order.

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During a legislative session on June 20, Standing Committee of National People’s Congress agreed to join treaty. ATT entered into force on December 24, 2014, which regulates international tre in conventional arms - from small arms to battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships.

'Measure to support multilateralism'

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on June 22 that Beijing is committed to efforts to "enhance peace and stability" across globe and that joining treaty was "ar important measure for China to support multilateralism". Zhao said that China has always attached great importance to problems caused by illegal transfer and abuse of conventional arms.

“As a country engd in rmal military tre, China has always strictly mand military exports and has established a fairly complete system of military export control policies and regulations,” said spokesperson.

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