China calls for more nuclear reductions

UN conference expected to seek nuke-free zone in Middle East

NEW YORK - China on Tuesday encouraged the United States and Russia to further reduce their nuclear arsenals, and reiterated its support for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to regional nuclear issues such as in Iran and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks during the general debate at the month-long UN review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"As the countries with the largest nuclear arsenals, (Russia and the US) should continue to make drastic reductions in their nuclear arsenals in a verifiable and irreversible manner, which will contribute to creating conditions for the ultimate realization of complete and thorough nuclear disarmament," Li said.

"Practices of pragmatism and double standards must be discarded," he added.

Li Hong, secretary-general of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, said in a recent interview with the Council of Foreign Relations that the bilateral agreement between Russia and the US only "modestly cuts the nuclear arsenals" and remains "reversible."

"It's far less than expected and far from sufficient to convince other countries that Russia and the US are sincere about their disarmament commitments," Li Hong said.

Li also joined other nations, including Germany and France, in calling for the early establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. Such zones are "of great significance" in promoting nuclear disarmament and preventing proliferation of nuclear weapons, he said.

Egypt proposed Tuesday that the 2010 conference back a plan to start negotiations next year on such a zone, according to AP.

Israel, with India, Pakistan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is not party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"The debate on the Middle East nuclear free zone is expected to be the highlight of the month-long session," said Zhai Dequan, deputy secretary-general of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association.

Zhai said, however, that a breakthrough was unlikely to be achieved this time.

"These countries have devoted massive financial and material resources to come to this point (of possessing nuclear weapons), risking irritating the world countries," said Zhai.

"Israel, once it signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, has to accept international monitoring of its nuclear program. Bearing Iran's threat in mind, Israel will not agree to sign," said Yin Gang, a senior Middle East expert at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Iran said on Tuesday on the president's website that it approves "in principle" to Brazil having a role in a UN-backed deal to exchange nuclear fuel for Iran's stock of enriched uranium, AFP reported.

Teheran last year rejected the deal, which would curb Iran's ability to make nuclear weapons.

The West accuses Iran of seeking to build nuclear weapons. Teheran denies the charge and says its nuclear program is for peaceful uses.

Li Baodong also affirmed China's full support for peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which he said are of "great significance" for developing countries seeking to address energy and climate challenges.

"Developed countries should actively assist developing countries in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes," Li said. "The international community should also explore, through extensive consultations, ways of promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and of preventing nuclear proliferation."

The review conference, which has brought together representatives of 189 nations, continues through May 28.