Honorable Chair, esteemed delegates,
The rapid advancement of military technologies has transformed the nature of conflict. While
these technologies were initially developed to increase precision and reduce casualties, their
misuse has led to serious humanitarian consequences, raising deep ethical concerns. The
discussion today must focus on the underlying issues of accountability, the impact on civilian
populations, and the role of states in perpetuating these conflicts.
In 2022 alone, the global arms trade reached $127 billion, with the United States dominating
39% of global exports
SIPRI
SIPRI
These arms are frequently deployed in conflict zones, especially in the Middle East and North
Africa. Precision weapons, drones, and other high-tech systems are often hailed for reducing
"collateral damage," but the data shows a different story. Reports show us that 20% of fatalities
from drone strikes between 2015 and 2022 were civilians, including women and children
(ChinaHSTU). This challenges the very claim that these technologies are humanitarian.
Israel, for instance, frequently uses advanced technologies in its military operations in occupied
territories. Their actions have raised grave concerns, particularly with regard to the use of drone
strikes and surveillance technologies in civilian areas. According to international law,
particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, civilians must be protected during conflict
(ChinaHSTU). However, repeated violations have been documented, yet the global community
remains largely silent. This silence is deafening and undermines the ethical responsibility of the
international community to protect civilians in war zones.
Furthermore, psychological harm is a critical yet often overlooked consequence of these
advanced technologies. The Costs of War Project estimates that over 2 million civilians have
been displaced by drone strikes in regions like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan
Common Dreams
. Beyond the physical destruction, the constant threat of high-tech warfare leaves communities in
perpetual fear. The ethical concern here is not just about physical harm but also the emotional
and societal toll on civilian populations.
In addition to their usage, the export of these technologies into volatile regions exacerbates these
humanitarian crises. Some states, while professing their commitment to peace, profit immensely
from arms sales to conflict zones. Between 2017 and 2021, over $11 billion in military hardware
was exported to the Middle East alone
The delegation of China believes that advanced technologies should be deployed responsibly, in
strict adherence to international laws that protect civilians. China has consistently advocated for
the responsible use of technologies, particularly in military applications, and urges the
international community to address the misuse of these technologies. Unlike certain nations that
fuel conflicts for profit, China stands firmly for peace, advocating for dialogue and cooperation
over military solutions.
The ethical concerns raised by advanced military technologies go beyond statistics. They are
about the responsibility of states to uphold humanitarian principles in times of war. The
international community must ensure that these technologies are used responsibly, in full
compliance with international law, to prevent further harm to civilian populations.
Thank you.
