China has called for strengthened multilateral cooperation to address growing politicization within the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), as global stakeholders convene for the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention this week.
Senior Chinese diplomat Wang Daxue warned that recent geopolitical tensions have eroded consensus-building at the OPCW, with states increasingly resorting to divisive voting procedures. "Constructive dialogue is diminishing," said Wang, deputy director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' arms control department, during a November 25 side event hosted by China's delegation.
Beijing presented a four-point proposal emphasizing technical solutions over political agendas, including safeguarding developing nations' rights and preserving the Chemical Weapons Convention's original mandate. Lyu Xiaodong, China's deputy permanent representative to the OPCW, stressed the need to "maintain the organization's technical attributes" amid rising ideological confrontations.
The initiative gained support from representatives of Brazil, Uganda, Venezuela, and several other countries. Uganda's OPCW ambassador Mirjam Blaak Sow acknowledged the challenges, stating: "The divisions we face have created a reality where consensus proves elusive."
As the November 2025 conference continues, observers note China's growing role in shaping non-proliferation frameworks while balancing developing nations' interests against Western-led security paradigms.
