China, U.S. hold consultations on arms control and non-proliferation

China and the United States held consultations on arms control and non-proliferation in Washington on Monday.

The talks took place between Sun Xiaobo, head of the Department of Arms Control of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Mallory Stewart, U.S. assistant secretary of state for arms control, verification and compliance, according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

The two sides had an in-depth, candid and constructive exchange of views on a wide range of issues including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, cooperation among the five nuclear-weapon states, nuclear security, non-proliferation and export control, compliance with treaties banning biological and chemical weapons, and conventional arms control, according to the statement.

Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining communication and exchanges to enhance mutual trust, build consensus, manage differences, and explore ways of cooperation, said the statement.

During the talks, the Chinese side elaborated on its position and policies on arms control and non-proliferation issues, and emphasized that China and the United States should carry out dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect.

The Chinese side also stressed that both sides should uphold a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, respect each other's sovereignty, security and development interests, enhance strategic mutual trust, and commit themselves to safeguarding the international arms control and non-proliferation system for lasting peace and universal security in the world.

The consultations came following talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on October 26-27.