ACCESSION NUMBER:301196
FILE ID:TXT201
DATE:08/31/93
TITLE:MISSILE SANCTIONS ON CHINA AND PAKISTAN (08/31/93)
TEXT:*93083101.TXT
MISSILE SANCTIONS ON CHINA AND PAKISTAN
(VOA Editorial) (390)
(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America August 31,
reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)
The United States determined last week that China violated its pledge to
abide by the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime, or MTCR.
The MTCR is an international arrangement aimed at limiting the spread of
ballistic missile technology. It focuses especially on missiles that can
carry weapons of mass destruction. It covers technology and components
that contribute to the development of missiles capable of carrying a
payload of 500 kilograms a distance of 300 kilometers or more. Under MTCR
guidelines, the transfer of such missiles or missile components is strictly
limited. China was found to have engaged in transfers of such items to
Pakistan. As a result, the United States has imposed sanctions on the
Chinese and Pakistani entities involved in the missile-transfer activity.
These two-year sanctions are required under U.S. law. In the case of China,
U.S. law also requires that sanctions for munitions exports and U.S.
government contracts be extended to all activities of the Chinese
government relating to the development or production of MTCR-class
missiles, or affecting the development or production of electronics, space
systems or equipment, and military aircraft. In practice, the sanctions
will prohibit American exports to China of high-technology goods --
including satellites and related equipment for launch on Chinese rockets.
1merican officials have made it clear to the Chinese that the United States
is ready at any time to enter negotiations to resolve this issue. But as
this past week's action makes clear, the United States is very concerned
about the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the missiles that can
deliver them -- particularly in areas where there is a potential for
conflict and destabilization. In a speech to Asian leaders last month,
Secretary of State Warren Christopher stressed that the United States is
committed to tough and effective global rules to halt the spread of these
weapons. The United States calls on all countries to adhere to the
guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime. As President Bill
Clinton has said, the work of combating the spread of weapons of mass
destruction is difficult and unending, but it is essential. It must be
done.
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