Title:  "Missile Sanctions on China and Pakistan." The US is committed to tough and effective global rules to halt the spread of nuclear weapons. The US calls on all countries to adhere to the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). This is why the US has slapped trade sanctions on some trade with China and Pakistan. (930831)

Date:  19930831

Text:
MISSILE SANCTIONS ON CHINA AND PAKISTAN

(VOA Editorial) (390) (Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America August 31, reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)

The United States determined last week that China violated its pledge to abide by the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime, or MTCR.

The MTCR is an international arrangement aimed at limiting the spread of ballistic missile technology. It focuses especially on missiles that can carry weapons of mass destruction. It covers technology and components that contribute to the development of missiles capable of carrying a payload of 500 kilograms a distance of 300 kilometers or more. Under MTCR guidelines, the transfer of such missiles or missile components is strictly limited. China was found to have engaged in transfers of such items to Pakistan. As a result, the United States has imposed sanctions on the Chinese and Pakistani entities involved in the missile-transfer activity.

These two-year sanctions are required under U.S. law. In the case of China, U.S. law also requires that sanctions for munitions exports and U.S. government contracts be extended to all activities of the Chinese government relating to the development or production of MTCR-class missiles, or affecting the development or production of electronics, space systems or equipment, and military aircraft. In practice, the sanctions will prohibit American exports to China of high-technology goods -- including satellites and related equipment for launch on Chinese rockets.

American officials have made it clear to the Chinese that the United States is ready at any time to enter negotiations to resolve this issue. But as this past week's action makes clear, the United States is very concerned about the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the missiles that can deliver them -- particularly in areas where there is a potential for conflict and destabilization. In a speech to Asian leaders last month, Secretary of State Warren Christopher stressed that the United States is committed to tough and effective global rules to halt the spread of these weapons. The United States calls on all countries to adhere to the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime. As President Bill Clinton has said, the work of combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction is difficult and unending, but it is essential. It must be done.

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