The international community should strengthen cooperation to promote the healthy development of international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation process, Hu Xiaodi, Chinese ambassador on disarmament affairs, said Tuesday.

Speaking at the general debate of the First Committee of the 60th Session of the UN General Assembly, Hu said the international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation process is at a crucial juncture.

On one hand, international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation regime is still playing an important role in safeguarding world peace and stability, he said.

On the other hand, multilateral arms control and disarmament process is also faced with difficulties and challenges, he added.

"It is the common and imperative task of the international community to address these new threats and challenges, promote the healthy development of international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation process and build a new century of peace, justice, democracy and prosperity," Hu stressed.

To this end, he called on the international community to implement new measures, including fostering a new security concept centered on equality, mutual trust, mutual benefit and cooperation, preserving the regime of international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation treaties, strengthen the multilateral arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation efforts, resolving problems in the field of arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation through political and diplomatic means within the existing framework of international laws, and following a path of multilateralism in achieving common security.

Hu stressed that China has all along adopted a highly responsible attitude in the international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation field and taken practical measures to promote the international arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation cause.

On September 1, the Chinese Government published a White Paper on China's Endeavors for Arms Control, Disarmament and Nonproliferation, which fully elaborates on China's policies and relevant efforts in this field, he pointed out.

"The White Paper demonstrates that the policies and measures China has adopted in the field of arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation have been active, earnest and constructive," Hu said.

"It also shows that China has always been an accountable and firm force in preserving world peace and promoting common development and international cooperation," he concluded.

(Xinhua News Agency October 5, 2005)