China is contradicting NPT consensus by supplying nuclear reactors to Pakistan: Arms Control Association Report

China has violated the consensus arrived at the 2010 nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) review conference.

Pic for representational purpose only - File photo (Chinese construction workers build Fangjiashan Nuclear Power Plant - AP Photo)

Delhi: China itself has violated the consensus arrived at the 2010 nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) review conference by transferring nuclear reactors to Pakistan, as per a media report. 

The Times of India reported that this was observed by Arms Control Association, one of leading authorities on nuclear weapons and disarmament, in its latest report assessing progress on non-proliferation.

Pakistan is not under IAEA safeguards.

The Daily said that the report says that China's 2013 deal for the Chasma-3 reactor in Pakistan contradicts the consensus document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference.

The report was quoted as follows - China's 2013 deal for the Chasma-3 reactor in Pakistan contradicts the consensus document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference, which "reaffirms that new supply arrangements" for the transfer of nuclear materials and technology should require that the recipient accept "IAEA full-scope safeguards and international legally-binding commitments not to acquire nuclear weapons".

Pakistan fails on both the counts.

"Despite progress on its export controls China continues to supply Pakistan with nuclear power reactors, despite objections that the sale of the reactors did not receive a consensus exemption from the NSG. Pakistan, which is neither an NPT member nor under full-scope IAEA safeguards, is therefore ineligible to receive such assistance under NSG rules," the report by Arms Control Association is further quoted as saying.

At the same time, the report accuses China of not keeping its commitment of not helping any country in the development of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, which was important in Beijing's application for membership of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

India is now become a member of MTCR. However, China's application remains blocked.

"Beijing voluntarily follows the MTCR's export control guidelines. However, China has not adopted the full annex, which includes a common list of controlled items. A 2016 State Department compliance report on arms control found that Chinese entities continue to supply missile technologies to countries of concern," TOI quoted the report as saying.

Meanwhile, India has pointed out that China had created 'procedural hurdles' for India in getting membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

China`s objections is mainly over India not signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

India has been seeking membership of NSG to enable it to trade in and export nuclear technology.

The NSG looks after critical issues relating to nuclear sector and its members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology.

The NSG works under the principle of unanimity.

(With Agency inputs)