960423

China never

exported any

N-weapons

material

KARACHI: China never exported any material to any country including Pakistan to produce nuclear weapons, said Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Zhang Chengli.

He said this while responding to a question on the accusations made by United States about alleged supply of ring magnets to Pakistan which can be used in producing nuclear weapons, after his speech on "China-Pak relations and situation in South Asia" at the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) here on Tuesday.

To a question on the Kashmir dispute, Chengli said, "China hopes to see early settlement of Kashmir issue between Pakistan and India by peaceful means and dialogue".

To another question, on arms race in the region, he said, China was very much concerned over the development of strategical missiles in the region. "We are close neighbours to South Asia and cannot see tension and upgradation of arms in this region", he added.

Earlier in his address to PIIA members Chengli said that Sino-Pak relationship has stood the test of time and become a model for countries with different social system to develop their ties. "Our friendship (with Pakistan) has struck deep roots in the hearts of both the peoples and our cooperation has made fruitful achievements in all fields of defence, political, economy, etc.

"In one month comes the 45th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. With joint efforts made by our two governments and peoples, Sino-Pak friendly relations and cooperation have been developing to maturity step by step for decades", he observed.

He declared that it was a firm and unshakable policy of Chinese government to further strengthen and develop its relations with Pakistan.

Both countries have similar historical experiences of colonialist plunder and exploitation. Being developing countries, both were also faced with common tasks of safeguarding state sovereignty and developing national economy. All these have served as the basis of their mutual-beneficial and reciprocal cooperation.