China firmly supports establishing a Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-free zone and has made clear its willingness to take the lead in signing the treaty, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on July 3, EDnews reports, citing Reuters.
"We stand ready to stay in communication with ASEAN countries on this matter," Mao Ning told a regular press conference.
Malaysia said China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ), while the US is currently reviewing the treaty before signing, Malaysia's state media noted.