Off the wire
• Interview: Negotiation better than tribunal for settling South China Sea disputes: legal expert  • 2nd LD Writethru: World humanitarian summit opens with calls for improving response to crisis  • India tests home-made reusable space launch vehicle  • 10 killed in landslide in northern India  • China hopes improving Vietnam-U.S. ties to benefit regional peace  • China to issue 3 bln-yuan gov't bonds in London  • Roundup: Uganda strives to contain yellow fever outbreak  • 1st LD Writethru: UN environment assembly opens, calling on renewed attention to green economy, SDGs  • 2nd LD Writethru: Another policeman killed in second militant attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir  • Chinese vice premier to visit four European countries  
You are here: 　 Home

China clarifies Pakistan NSG application stance

Xinhua, May 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) should decide whether non-signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) are eligible to join the organization before any decision is made on Pakistan's bid for membership, a spokesperson said on Monday.

Founded in London in 1975, the NSG controls the export and re-transfer of nuclear weapons materials. It has taken NPT signatory status as a precondition for membership but Pakistan is not a signatory to the treaty.

"The group is still discussing accession of non-signatories and major differences persist," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a regular news briefing when asked if China backs Pakistan's application.

"China and many other countries have called for thorough discussion on the first step in membership application by non-signatories," Hua said.

She said China's stance applies to all non-signatories, including Pakistan. "Pakistan is China's all-weather friend and close neighbor.China's position does not target at the country." Endi