08/07/2020 (Agence Europe) – The EEAS spokesperson welcomed China's accession to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on Tuesday 7 July. “China, an important arms exporter, contributes to the advancement of the Treaty’s objectives to regulate the international trade in conventional arms, to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and ammunition, and to prevent their diversion”, the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that one of the objectives of the ATT was increased transparency in international arms trade. The spokesperson encouraged other states that are not parties to the treaty to become parties without delay and called on signatory States to advance their ratification process. China is the world's second largest arms manufacturer and the 107th State Party to the ATT. (CG)