On April 7, 2008, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will host the Second Review Conference of the "Chemical Weapons Convention" (CWC). To better fulfill its obligations under the treaty, China's Association of Controlled Chemicals organized the Fifth Compliance Forum in Shenzhen from March 4 to 8. Over 150 representatives from provincial and municipal CWC offices and chemical companies attended the event.
Since the CWC entered into force in April 1997, it has been ratified by 183 states. As of February 2008, a total of 5,963 facilities had been declared, with 3,131 inspections conducted at 1,187 sites. China signed the convention on January 13, 1993, and became one of the original signatories. By early 2008, China had successfully completed over 140 OPCW inspections, including those related to Japanese-legacy chemical weapons. The results aligned with China’s official declarations, and OPCW officials praised the country’s preparedness and transparency.
At the Fifth Compliance Forum, Chinese companies emphasized the importance of improving the verification mechanism of the CWC. One key issue was urging Japan to destroy the chemical weapons left behind in China. As of 2006, over 400,000 chemical shells had been discovered in various locations, posing serious risks to public safety and the environment. Despite some progress, no destruction had yet occurred. Companies called on the OPCW to push Japan to fulfill its responsibilities and accelerate the process.
Another focus was on refining the verification model. Current methods are inefficient, with most resources spent on industrial facilities rather than chemical demilitarization sites. Companies suggested improving risk assessment models and ensuring a more balanced geographical distribution of inspections to increase efficiency.
Additionally, there were concerns about the broad definition of specific organic chemicals in the CWC, which added unnecessary complexity for businesses. Suggestions included narrowing the scope of declaration requirements and improving clarity to enhance practical implementation.
Developed countries were also urged to support developing nations like China, where many small-scale chemical companies lack advanced technology and expertise. These companies face significant challenges in compliance, including safety and environmental risks. Technical and financial assistance could help them meet their obligations without compromising safety or the environment.
Finally, the importance of public awareness was highlighted. A tragic incident in 2004, where children were harmed by a Japanese chemical shell, underscored the need for education. Companies advocated for incorporating CWC knowledge into school curricula to raise awareness among future generations.
China has made significant efforts in implementing the CWC, despite challenges such as a large number of chemical companies and diverse product lines. The national implementation authority has developed a comprehensive communication network and data management system, improving reporting efficiency and data quality. Special permits for monitoring chemicals have also helped ensure compliance and prevent proliferation.
Overall, the forum emphasized the importance of cooperation, transparency, and continuous improvement in the global effort to eliminate chemical weapons.
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