Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=08/27/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CHINA/NONPROLIFERATION (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-293421

BYLINE=LETA HONG FINCHER

DATELINE=BEIJING

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: China calls on the United States to lift a ban on American satellite launches on Chinese rockets. V-O-A correspondent Leta Hong Fincher reports this comes after Beijing announced new regulations to control exports of missile-related products.

TEXT: Washington has long prodded Beijing to stop selling missile technology to countries the United States thinks are building weapons of mass destruction.

Two years ago, China promised to impose clear limits on missile-related exports. In return, the United States promised to allow American companies to launch satellites on Chinese rockets. Washington, however, complained that Beijing did not fulfill its promise.

The Chinese government took a major step in complying with Washington's demands on Sunday, by publishing new rules to control exports of missile-related products.

Now Beijing suggests it wants Washington to hold up its end of the bargain. Liu Jieyi, the head arms control official of China's Foreign Ministry, spoke to reporters in Beijing Tuesday.

/// LIU ACT ///

In November, year 2000, United States and China made arrangements. We each made a declaration in this area, in which the United States made the commitment in the field of satellite launches, so we feel that it is important for any country to honor its commitment.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Liu says he hopes Washington allows China's space program to launch U-S satellites, to help both countries cooperate further on weapons nonproliferation.

On Monday night, U-S Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said in Beijing that Washington welcomed China's new regulations on missile exports. But Mr. Armitage said U-S officials are not yet willing to allow American commercial satellite launches in China. He said U-S officials need more time to understand the Chinese rules and how they will be enforced.

Mr. Liu, China's chief arms control official, admits that some Chinese companies have violated rules prohibiting the export of equipment that might be used to develop weapons of mass destruction. He declined to name any of them.

/// LIU ACT 2 ///

In all countries, there are individuals that would seek to try to violate the policies or laws. We're talking about that. Some very few cases did occur in China, but the perpetrators, the violators, would be subject to laws and they would be punished duly.

/// END ACT ///

In July, Washington imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies for transferring military equipment to Iran. (Signed)

NEB/HK/LHF/KPD