China backs SE Asia as a nuclear-weapon-free zone

China on Thursday reaffirmed its support for a nuclear-weapon-free Southeast Asia after Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said China would sign up to a Southeast Asian treaty banning nuclear weapons in the region as soon as all documentation is ready.

Addressing a daily news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that China has always firmly supported the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia.

Mao said China, as a comprehensive strategic partner and friendly neighbor of ASEAN, has repeatedly expressed its willingness to take the lead in signing the treaty protocol. During the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held on Thursday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi once again clearly stated this position, she added.

Regarding the signing of the protocol, China is also maintaining communication with Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries, Mao said.