China has joined the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), China Daily reported.

"The Chinese government attaches high importance to the problems caused by the illicit transfer and abuse of conventional arms. China supports the purposes and goals of the (ATT) and agrees on taking necessary measures to regulate international arms trade and combat illicit arms transfer," said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, at a virtual press conference.

"Meanwhile, China always strictly regulates export of military articles with policies and management measures meeting, or in some areas even exceeding, ATT requirements," the ambassador said.

"This fully demonstrates its high sense of responsibility," he added.

According to the envoy, joining the ATT is "another important step in China's active participation in global arms trade governance to safeguard international and regional peace and stability".

"It demonstrates China's resolve and sincerity in maintaining the international arms control regime, supporting multilateralism and forging a community with a shared future for mankind," Zhang Jun noted.

"It will further enhance the treaty's universality and contribute to global security governance and the international arms control process," the envoy added.