philemmons
02-17-07, 10:37 AM
BEIJING - China said Saturday that its new export controls on nuclear technology requiring buyers to meet stricter obligations would prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear weapons or dangerous radioactive material.
China's Cabinet, the State Council, enacted amendments to regulations on dual-use nuclear technology to prevent acts of nuclear terrorism. The plan was first announced on Friday, but no details were given.
"The government will resolutely oppose the proliferation of mass destructive weapons and the means of their delivery," the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on its Web site Saturday.
Under the revised regulations, the Ministry of Commerce will take a greater role in controlling China's export of nuclear technology.
The statement said "the revision was a significant measure taken by the government to strengthen the legislation against the proliferation of mass destructive weapons and their means of delivery."
The United States and other countries strictly control access to nuclear technology out of fear that terrorists could one day launch a nuclear attack or detonate a "dirty bomb" that releases radioactive material into the air.
China — a nuclear power and member of the
U.N. Security Council — has been part of efforts to persuade
North Korea and
Iran to give up their nuclear programs because of concerns that such technology could fall into the hands of terrorists.
Under the revised rules, a special panel will be set up under the Ministry of Commerce to evaluate and verify nuclear goods and technologies for export.
The Ministry said it will have the power to ask customs authorities to detain and inspect suspicious cargo, or have the cargo sealed and the "relevant departments" carry out the inspections.
"The Ministry of Commerce will shoulder its responsibility and enforce the laws strictly," the statement said without giving further details.
Previously the State Council had to approve changes to the nuclear export control list, but under the revised regulations, the Ministry of Commerce said it will have the authority to make regular changes in collaboration with the
International Atomic Energy Agency — the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog — and Nuclear Suppliers Group, which sets guidelines for its members on nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports.
source (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070217/ap_on_re_as/china_nuclear_controls)
China's Cabinet, the State Council, enacted amendments to regulations on dual-use nuclear technology to prevent acts of nuclear terrorism. The plan was first announced on Friday, but no details were given.
"The government will resolutely oppose the proliferation of mass destructive weapons and the means of their delivery," the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on its Web site Saturday.
Under the revised regulations, the Ministry of Commerce will take a greater role in controlling China's export of nuclear technology.
The statement said "the revision was a significant measure taken by the government to strengthen the legislation against the proliferation of mass destructive weapons and their means of delivery."
The United States and other countries strictly control access to nuclear technology out of fear that terrorists could one day launch a nuclear attack or detonate a "dirty bomb" that releases radioactive material into the air.
China — a nuclear power and member of the
U.N. Security Council — has been part of efforts to persuade
North Korea and
Iran to give up their nuclear programs because of concerns that such technology could fall into the hands of terrorists.
Under the revised rules, a special panel will be set up under the Ministry of Commerce to evaluate and verify nuclear goods and technologies for export.
The Ministry said it will have the power to ask customs authorities to detain and inspect suspicious cargo, or have the cargo sealed and the "relevant departments" carry out the inspections.
"The Ministry of Commerce will shoulder its responsibility and enforce the laws strictly," the statement said without giving further details.
Previously the State Council had to approve changes to the nuclear export control list, but under the revised regulations, the Ministry of Commerce said it will have the authority to make regular changes in collaboration with the
International Atomic Energy Agency — the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog — and Nuclear Suppliers Group, which sets guidelines for its members on nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports.
source (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070217/ap_on_re_as/china_nuclear_controls)