China firmly opposes WMD proliferation: FM

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, February 12, 2004

China firmly opposes WMD proliferation: FM

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China firmly opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery and will be making more domestic and international non-proliferation efforts, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue Thursday.

Zhang made the remark at a press conference in response to a question on US President George W. Bush's call for international non-proliferation cooperation.

According to the spokeswoman, China, consistently supporting the global non-proliferation action, has adopted concrete measures to reinforce a weapons export control regime, which involves both self-control and cooperation with other countries including the United States.

With an established legal framework on non-proliferation, China is willing to adopt strong and effective measures to implement related laws and regulations, said Zhang.

Zhang also elaborated on China's international non-proliferation cooperation.

According to her, China has consultations and exchanges with the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) and with the Missile and Technology Control Regime (MTCR), whose policies and practices served as references for China in setting up its nuclear control regime, a missile export statute and listing.

China has filed its application to join the NSG and sought to join the MTCR. A Chinese delegation is having work consultations in Paris with MTCR member countries after Chinese Foreign MinisterLi Zhaoxing and MTCR president both expressed interest in cooperation.

On a controversial Proliferation Security Initiative designed to intercept suspected shipments in international waters, she said China supports international non-proliferation efforts but believes relevant issues should be resolved under international laws and by political and diplomatic means.

"Any non-proliferation measures should be conducive to regional and global peace, security, and stability," said Zhang.

About Bush's suggestions to enhance the roles of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Zhang said China supports the general goal of non-proliferation, and relevant suggestions are worthy of serious discussions by the international community.

Bush called Wednesday in his speech at the National Defense University for tougher global action to crack down on the emerging black market in nuclear arms.

He called for better regulations by IAEA and said he would renew his appeal for the United Nations Security Council to approve a resolution criminalizing the WMD proliferation and enacting strict export controls.

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