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Beijing, China
04 June 2008 02:32 The United States pressed concerns about Chinese nuclear weapons and
space plans in talks between the two powers on Wednesday that also
covered North Korea, Iran and other international security hotspots.
US acting undersecretary for arms control and international security,
John Rood, said the "strategic dialogue" in the Chinese capital had
discussed how to expand cooperation in countering the threat of nuclear
arms proliferation. But Rood said US diplomats and defence officials also came with concerns
about China's own nuclear weapons and space military plans. There were
no signs that the two sides made major strides in allaying mutual worries. "China clearly has large-scale efforts in the nuclear area. This is
something that we've sought a greater dialogue with our Chinese
colleagues about," Rood told a news conference. "We would like to have a better understanding of Chinese doctrines and
plans in this area. I think that was something that we articulated in
the discussions today." The US officials again raised objections to an anti-satellite test China
conducted in January 2007 by using a missile to destroy one of its own
satellites. China did not immediately give its own account of the talks. But its
officials have often noted that their defence spending and nuclear
arsenal remain far smaller than Washington's, and said they are
committed to "no first-use" of such weapons in any war. "Our Chinese colleagues, I think, clearly articulated that that remains
China's policy," Rood said of the no-first-use doctrine. With about 200 nuclear warheads according to an estimate by the
Federation of American Scientists, China's arsenal is far smaller than
the United States' near 10 000. China had about 20 missiles capable of
hitting the US mainland, compared to 830 US missiles that could hit
China, a Federation study said. Chinese diplomats have repeatedly said they want stronger international
rules to avoid an expensive, destabilising arms race in space. But recent Chinese military analyses suggest that at least some in
China's military take a bleak view of prospects for such efforts and
believe their country must get ready for escalating rivalry. Last month, Chinese President Hu Jintao publicly backed Russian
opposition to US plans to set up a missile defence system that would
include bases in eastern Europe. China's neighbour Japan is also
involved in the US anti-missile efforts. "We think our missile defence cooperation with Japan is not threatening
to China. This is a purely defensive capability," Rood said. - Reuters
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