Pakistan Has a Nuclear Friend in China

At a time nuclear proliferation is a major area of concern for the international community and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference is underway in New York at the United Nations, reports that China is all set to allow its state entities to supply two new nuclear reactors to Pakistan should be a matter of grave concern. Chinese authorities have recently confirmed that the China National Nuclear Cooperation has signed an agreement with Pakistan for two new nuclear reactors at the Chashma site Chashma III and Chashma IV. This action of China will be in clear violation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) guidelines that forbid nuclear transfers to countries not signatory to the NPT or adhere to comprehensive international safeguards on their nuclear programme.

Ever since the US decided to conclude the civilian nuclear energy cooperation pact with India, China has indicated its displeasure by various means. With the exception of China, other major global powers such as Britain, France, Germany and Russia supported the US-India nuclear deal as they were eager to sell nuclear fuel, reactors and equipment to India. China, on its part, made its displeasure clear by asking India to sign the NPT and dismantle its nuclear weapons.