China Calls for Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space 　　China has renewed its call for the prevention of an arms race in outer space and the re- establishment of the ad hoc committee on the issue in the Conference on Disarmament (CD). 　　Speaking at the CD plenary session in Geneva on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador Li Changhe reminded the conference of some new developments in the area, which have raised grave concerns. 　　He said that the recent announcement of programs to develop the National Missile Defense (NMD) and Theater Missile Defense (TMD) systems and the intention to amend and even withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) "run counter to the trend of the times" when the international relations should move toward greater relaxation 10 years after the end of the Cold War. 　　"They are detrimental to the international efforts in arms control and disarmament and may even trigger a new round of arms race and break regional strategic balances in the next century," he pointed out. 　　"As is known to all, some of the above-mentioned missile defense systems are to be deployed entirely in outer space or target at objects in outer space and some will rely on space to provide target information and guidance for ground weapon systems, " Li said. "The ultimate consequence will be turning outer space into a new battlefield and a base for weapon systems." 　　Moreover, he said, if any country insisted on amending or even abolishing the ABM, thus having a free hand in developing and deploying such missile defense systems, it would certainly upset the global strategic balance. 　　"This cannot but raise grave concerns from the international community and makes the prevention of an arms race in outer space more relevant and more urgent," he stressed. 　　Li urged the CD to "live up to its obligations and responsibilities to address this important issue before it is too late". 　　 WorldNews 1999-02-13 Page3 Full Story in Chinese