China has released a significant new policy document titled “China’s Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-proliferation in the New Era,” offering the world a comprehensive look at its security philosophy, international commitments, and long-term vision for peaceful development. Issued by the State Council Information Office, the white paper consolidates China’s stance at a time when global security dynamics are rapidly evolving and geopolitical tensions are reshaping international order.
At its core, the white paper reinforces China’s claim that it is — and intends to remain — a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. It outlines China’s active role in global arms control and its contributions to multilateral disarmament processes. The document arrives at a time of rising concerns in emerging fields such as outer space, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence, making it especially timely and strategic.
The white paper emphasizes that China has consistently played a constructive and stabilizing role in international arms control and disarmament. Beijing highlights that it not only supports global efforts but also offers initiatives and solutions, signaling its ambition to be a thought-leader and agenda-setter in global security governance.
China presents itself as a nation committed to responsible global citizenship, stressing that it has always upheld international treaties, complied with its obligations, and contributed meaningfully to global disarmament.
The UN at the Core of Global Governance
A major theme throughout the document is China’s insistence that the United Nations must remain central to international arms control regimes. This approach reflects Beijing’s preference for multilateralism and its rejection of unilateral or bloc-based security structures led by individual powers.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China asserts its responsibility to safeguard the authority and effectiveness of global arms control institutions. It points out its active engagement in nuclear, biological, chemical, and conventional weapons frameworks — areas where China says it has made “due contributions” to maintaining international security and peace.
Read More: China Issues White Paper on Arms Control in New Era
Expanding Arms Control to New Frontiers
One of the most forward-looking aspects of the white paper is its focus on emerging security domains. The document identifies outer space, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence as the new “frontiers for human development,” which simultaneously serve as potential areas of strategic competition.
The white paper warns that these fields have become new focal points of security risks, requiring urgent global governance. It proposes a UN-cantered global framework for governance, universal participation of all countries, greater representation and influence for developing nations, and broad international consensus on rules and standards.
This reflects China’s aim to avoid a technology-driven arms race — especially between major powers — and to advocate for equitable participation by the Global South in shaping future governance norms.
Strengthening Domestic Non-proliferation Capacity
Beyond its global commitments, China underscores efforts to strengthen its own domestic capacity for preventing proliferation of sensitive materials and technologies. This includes:
- Strengthening export control mechanisms
- Enhancing legal and regulatory systems
- Supporting peaceful use of science and technology
- Promoting international cooperation in research and development
This internal dimension demonstrates that China views non-proliferation not only as a global obligation but also as a means to maintain national security and enhance its credibility on the world stage.
Read More: Pakistan Highlights Growing Risks to Global Nuclear Disarmament
Chinese Modernization and Peaceful Development
A recurring message in the white paper is that “Chinese modernization is peaceful modernization.” China argues that its rise does not threaten other nations; instead, its development strengthens global peace.
The document links China’s domestic progress to the overall stability of the world, asserting that its economic and technological growth expands what it calls the “world’s peaceful forces.” Beijing outlines a vision of:
- An equal and orderly multipolar world
- Inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalization
- Strengthened global governance structures
- A shared future for humanity
This vision aligns with broader Chinese diplomatic initiatives like the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI).
A Call for Joint Action
In concluding sections, the white paper issues a call to the global community: countries must work together to safeguard world peace, prevent weapons proliferation, and manage new technologies responsibly. China positions itself as a willing partner, committed to cooperation rather than confrontation.
This reflects a strategy to reassure other nations about its intentions, enhance its diplomatic soft power, and position itself as a leader in shaping the future of global governance.
This new white paper is more than a policy outline, it is a signal of China’s confidence and international aspirations in an era of heightened global uncertainty.
It matters because it clarifies China’s stance on sensitive global security issues, expands arms control discussions to new domains of AI, space, and cyberspace, showcases China’s effort to lead or co-lead global governance standards, emphasizes multilateralism and rejects unilateral dominance, and highlights China’s increasing role in shaping 21st-century international order
For policymakers, analysts, and partner nations — including Pakistan — this document serves as both a guide to China’s strategic thinking and a roadmap for future areas of cooperation.
*The views expressed in this article are the authors’ own and do not represent TDI. The contributor is responsible for the originality of this piece.
Wajahat Ghauri
Wajahat Ghauri is an Islamabad Based Lawyer, and Master’s in Political Science from Punjab University. He can be reached at ghauriwajahat29@gmail.com
