P5 should help make NPT a success
Updated: 2014-04-22 08:40
(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
P5 should better support NPT
The role of the P5 within the NPT has become a topic in itself. This is good news, for a primary reason that the world is safer when nuclear weapon states work together than when they act against each other.
For some time now, the specific involvement of the P5 in the NPT review process has dealt with nuclear disarmament. This involvement is generally perceived to involve efforts toward transparency, progress in conceptualizing verification procedures for nuclear disarmament and, in a more traditional way, the process of bilateral strategic reductions under the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
In doing so, the P5 indicate a particular commitment to nuclear disarmament and indeed, they historically have the responsibility to lead the discussions about nuclear disarmament, as far as it is conceived as a long term, reasonable and realistic process. But that's not enough for them to qualify for their role.
It is advisable to add two responsibilities: the responsibility to ensure that the NPT is a security instrument for every party, which means that proliferation concerns, non-compliance, or the abusing of the right of withdrawal are the major constraints to the nuclear disarmament process; and the responsibility to lead by example and to be perceived as a group of supporters and not as a group of challengers, collectively or individually.
The step-by-step approach to nuclear disarmament is precisely one realistic way to behave positively and responsibly in a time of strategic surprises.
Benjamin Hautecouverture, research fellow, the Foundation for Strategic Research, France.
- Music at her fingers
- Across America Over the Week (Jan 16 - Jan 22)
- Spend Chinese New Year in style
- Ili river valley becomes a popular destination for swans
- Philip Ma: from scientist to businessman
- Birmingham's Spotlight on China dinner
- How to distinguish doucai, wucai, Famille-rose and enamel porcelain
- Xinjiang lake in bumper fishing season
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Premier Li attends Davos Forum |
Li Na expecting first baby |
Star's marriage is 'bittersweet' news for fans |
Infographic:Chinese IPOs in the US in 2014 |
Tale of two cities |
China's 2014 diplomacy |
Today's Top News
Houston's SW Chinatown
China to focus on reforms, opening of capital market
Slowdown brings new risks to banks
Trade group calls for BIT
Market status for China is 'political' issue
Birmingham's Spotlight on China dinner
Bank takes renminbi-clearing seriously
Traditional Garb
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |