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 support the obligations of State Parties under the treaty, the China Association of Controlled Chemicals organized the Fifth Compliance Forum in Shenzhen from March 4 to 8. Over 150 representatives from provincial CWC offices and chemical companies attended the event, showcasing China’s active role in implementing the Convention.
Since its entry into force in April 1997, the CWC has grown to include 183 State Parties by February 2008. A total of 5,963 facilities have been declared by countries, with the OPCW conducting 3,131 inspections across 1,187 sites. China, one of the original signatories on January 13, 1993, has successfully completed over 140 OPCW inspections by early 2008, including verification of chemicals and weapons left behind by Japan. The results were consistent with China’s declarations, and OPCW officials praised the country's preparedness and transparency.
At the Fifth Compliance Forum, Chinese companies emphasized the need to strengthen the on-site verification mechanism of the CWC. They called for five key improvements, including urging Japan to destroy its abandoned chemical weapons in China. As of 2006, more than 400,000 chemical shells had been found in Jilin Province alone, with many others discovered in other regions. Despite progress, none have been destroyed yet. Companies urged the OPCW to push Japan to fulfill its responsibilities and accelerate the destruction process.
Another concern raised was the current verification model, which focuses heavily on industrial facilities but overlooks demilitarization sites. This imbalance risks inefficiency and misallocation of resources. For example, some Chinese companies have been inspected multiple times in a short period, increasing costs and reducing trust in the verification system.
The definition of "specific organic chemicals" under the CWC was also criticized as too broad, making compliance difficult. Companies suggested narrowing the scope and improving clarity to enhance practical implementation. Additionally, developing countries like China face unique challenges due to limited resources and less advanced infrastructure. Developed nations were encouraged to provide technical and financial assistance to help these countries meet their obligations effectively.
Finally, the importance of public awareness was highlighted. A tragic incident in 2004, where children were injured by a Japanese chemical bomb in Jilin, underscored the need for education. Chinese companies advocated for integrating CWC knowledge into school curricula to raise awareness among future generations.
China has made significant efforts in compliance, including establishing a national communication network and data management system. These initiatives have improved efficiency and ensured timely and accurate reporting to the OPCW. Overall, the forum reflected a strong commitment to the goals of the CWC and a shared responsibility for global peace and safety.