China denies blocking India's bid to join NSG

China denies blocking India's bid to join NSG

China would always cooperate India on all issues in the global arena, Liu Zhenmin said.

The Dollar Business Bureau

China has denied claims that it was blocking India's bid to be a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Moreover, it has assured to work towards finding a solution for India entering into the group, along with the other 48 members of the NSG.

China's Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Liu Zhenmin said that there should be a discussion with relevant parties on this issue. However, this is not a new issue, as India has been seeking the membership of NSG for many years and China needs to discuss with other members of the Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT). But China’s interference in India's entry to the elite club is not true, Liu confirmed.

Along with other members of NSG, China would also work towards finding a solution to this issue. It must be deliberated with relevant parties. As a friendly neighbouring nation, China would always cooperate with India on all issues in the global arena, Liu Zhenmin said. The Chinese minister said this during his visit to New Delhi for participating in a multi-lateral legal conference.

NSG members should contribute to the NPT by implementing the guidelines for nuclear-related exports. India is not a part of the NPT that was signed in the year 1968 to prevent nuclear weapons and to achieve nuclear disarmament. Countries other than India like Pakistan, South Sudan and Israel are the members of United Nations Organisation (UNO) that are yet to be included in NPT.

Recently, China has claimed that several members of the NSG shared their views that signing of the NPT was important for the expansion of NSG. Lu Kang, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said that China and many other members of the NSG feel that signing of NPT is important to protect the world from a global nuclear non-proliferation regime. China is indirectly supporting Pakistan as it also trying to enter into the NSG.

The Dollar Business Bureau - May 18, 2016 12:00 IST