In China where the country's new foreign ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang, has made his first public appearance to reiterate China's stance on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

It's 20 years since the treaty was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 10th 1996.

Geng said, "China has consistently advocated and positively supported a comprehensive ban on nuclear weapons. We are committed to not be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use them against non-nuclear countries and regions."

"China was one of the first countries to sign this treaty. We have always supported the aim of the treaty, and demonstrated a commitment to temporarily stop nuclear tests. China would like to work with the international community to ensure this treaty comes into effect.