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SLUG: 2-275965 Pakistan-China (L-only)
DATE:
NOTE NUMBER:

DATE=5/12/2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-275965

TITLE=PAK/CHINA (L-O)

BYLINE= AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

INTRO: Pakistan's military leader Pervez Musharraf has criticized the United States proposed nuclear defense system during an official visit by Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji. As Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad, Mr. Zhu is in Pakistan on a four-day trip to enhance economic relations between

the traditional allies.

TEXT: General Musharraf's statement is Pakistan's first response to the controversial American missile plan. The state-run television says the Pakistanileader made the comment in response to a question by a Chinese journalist.

//MUSHARRAF ACT//

We are against any actions, which will re-initiate the strategic nuclear and missile race.

//END ACT//

President Bush says the missile shield would eliminate the risk of missile attacks by what he calls rogue states such as North Korea and Iraq.

At a later news conference in the Pakistani capital, a Chinese spokeswoman -Zhang Qiyue - said the U-S nuclear missile defense plan (NMD) had been raised by General Musharraf during a meeting with Prime Minister Zhu Rongji on Friday.

//ZHANG ACT//

The Pakistani side, I think, talked about its position on the NMD and the (Chinese) premier just listened to whatever he (General Musharraf) said.

//END ACT//

The Chinese Spokeswoman, however, made clear that China is skeptical of the U-S missile shield

//ZHANG ACT//

There are several American delegations going in around the countries to explain its (the U-S) position on NMD. I believe that everywhere the delegations go, there are many questions raised, and as far as I can see there are more questions than answers. So I think there are many, many questions on people's minds.

//END ACT//

Pakistan's criticism of the U-S proposed missile plan contrasts with the support shown by leaders in India, who welcome President Bush's new vision of nuclear disarmament.

The Chinese spokeswoman Zhang told reporters that China's relations with Pakistan are not at the expense of Indian-Chinese ties.

//ZHANG ACT//

We feel that all of the countries in South Asia are countries that we should develop a relationship with. India is also close neighbor of China and over the years we have improved our relationship with India and we are willing to develop further our relationship with India.

//END ACT//

Pakistan is believed to have received nuclear and missile technology from China. However, both Islamabad and Beijing say their defense cooperation does not violate international laws on nuclear weapons or missile technology.

The current visit of Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji has focussed on economic cooperation, and the two countries have signed seven project agreements. (For language services - The biggest deal is Pakistan's award of a 319-million dollars contract to a Chinese firm to build a 900-kilometer oil pipeline. Chinese officials say two more infrastructure

projects - a port (Gawadar) and a coastal road, have been approved in principle but a feasibility study is needed.)

Mr. Zhu plans to leave Pakistan on Monday. His 11-day regional trip will then take him to Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand but not to India. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/PT