The 70 PSI backers and observer countries have emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation against the growing threats associated with nuclear and ballistic missile development programmes.
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| A test launch of a short-range ballistic missile at a secret North Korean site |
On May 30, a group of countries supporting the Security Initiative against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (PSI) reaffirmed its commitment to preventing the transfer of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and related materials.
According to Yonhap news agency, the agreement was reached at a high-level forum in the South Korean island of Jeju on the 20th anniversary of the launch of PSI.
Participating in the event were delegates from 70 pro-PSI countries and observer countries, including the US, Japan and Australia.
In a joint statement, the participating countries committed to improving WMD training and capacity building activities, as well as addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies and WMD dissemination activities in the context of the changing security environment.
The statement addressed emerging concerns such as digital currency-related WMD dissemination activities, “underground” technology transfers, and increasingly sophisticated WMD dissemination tricks to “circle international law.”
PSI Member States also note that emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, can create additional challenges to efforts to combat WMD proliferation.
The countries also emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation against the growing threats related to nuclear and ballistic missile development programs, and pledged to develop an action plan to realize the joint statement.
PSI was launched in 2003 under the administration of US President George W. Bush to prevent trafficking in WMD, the WMD distribution system and related materials.
PSI holds a high-level political meeting every five years to review and provide guidance for the initiative.
(According to Vietnam+)
