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Updated November 2008
Chemical Chronology
2000-2008
February 2000
Over 17,600 chemical weapons of Japanese origin are discovered in Nanjing by a special investigation team sent by the Japanese government. Japanese investigators attempt to find a way to destroy the weapons.
— "Chemical Weapons Left by Japanese Troops Found in Nanjing," Xinhua General News Service, 21 June 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 April 2000
Taiwan pledges neither to produce nor use chemical weapons despite the Taiwanese government's view that there is a growing threat from China's nuclear and bio-chemical weapons.
— "Taiwan Pledges Not to Manufacture, Use Chemical Weapons," Agence France Presse, 12 April 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
9 August 2000
A Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) semi-annual report to Congress states that Iran is seeking chemical weapons related production equipment and technology from Chinese entities. According to the report, "It is unclear to what extent their efforts have succeeded."
— Central Intelligence Agency, Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January Through 30 June 2000, <http://www.cia.gov>.
September 2000
In Bei'an, China, scientists and workmen from both Japan and China conduct the first large scale joint operation for the excavation and recovery of abandoned chemical weapons (ACW). Cooperative efforts include joint site investigations, studies on weapon destruction as well as research on security systems protecting both humans and the environment.
— Seiji Koijima, "The Destruction of ACW in China," Office for ACW, Cabinet Office, Tokyo, Japan, 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 September 2000
According to an article by Bill Gertz in the Washington Times, a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee report claims that China has consistently failed to adhere to its nonproliferation commitments and its promises to the United States not to sell nuclear and chemical weapons-related materials and missile parts to "rogue states." The report lists 42 cases of Chinese weapons sales to Iran, Libya, North Korea, Iraq, Pakistan, and other countries.
— Bill Gertz, "China Fails to Keep Vows on Arms Sales, Senate Report Says," Washington Times, p. A12, 12 September 2000.
14 September 2000
A joint China-Japan task force removes 10 chemical weapons shells from Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China.
Note: The Japanese government plans to spend two weeks retrieving about 500 chemical gas shells containing poisonous gases such as mustard gas. Based on the Chemical Weapons Convention, Japan is responsible for getting rid of the abandoned weapons in China.
— Hiroyuki Sugiyama, "Team in China Excavating WWII Chemical Weapons," Daily Yomiuri, Tokyo, p. 2, 14 September 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
16 October 2000
China's Information Office of the State Council publishes its "2000 White Paper on China's National Defense." The report states the Chinese government's view that the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) has yet to overcome certain flaws regarding the universality of the treaty and the slow rate of destruction of existing stockpiles in various countries.
— "China Issues White Paper on National Defence Policy," Xinhua News Agency, 16 October 2000, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; "China's National Defense in 2000," Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, October 2000, Beijing, <http://www.china.org.cn>.
January 2001
According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Defense entitled Proliferation: Threat and Response, Beijing is believed to have an advanced chemical warfare program including research and development, production, and weaponization capabilities.
— "Proliferation: Threat and Response," Office of the Secretary of Defense, January 2001, p. 26, <http://www.defenselink.mil>.
19 January 2001
At a national conference in Shanghai, Li Rongrong, vice-minister of the State Economic and Trade Commission (SETC), states that China has made efforts and gained achievements in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 2000. At the conference, Li asks the SETC, ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defense, the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, and local officials to make greater efforts to implement the CWC. Sha Zukang, director general of the Arms Control and Disarmament Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, adds that as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China is a responsible state. Sha also notes China's past experience as the victim of chemical weapons attacks on its own territory.
— "Beijing Says It Has Made Notable Achievements on Chemical Weapons Issue," Xinhua News Agency, 16 January 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
March 2001
In early March, a joint Chinese-Japanese investigation team discovers 72 poison gas shells in Henan Province, that were abandoned by the Japanese army during World War I.
— The CBW Convention Bulletin, Harvard Sussex Program on CBW Armament and Arms Limitation, No. 52, June 2001; "Japanese Poison Gas Shells Found in Henan, China," Kyodo News Service, 10 April 2001; in FBIS JPP20010410000138.
14 May 2001
At the sixth Conference of State Parties to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at The Hague, the Netherlands, China's delegation urges Japan and the OPCW to cooperate further in the destruction of the chemical weapons abandoned in China. Zhu Zushou, China's ambassador to the Netherlands and representative of the Chinese delegation to the Conference, expresses Beijing's concern about the ecological threats posed by the weapons, and feels that the process of destruction of the weapons has been slow. Zhu also expresses dissatisfaction with the lack of financial support for the destruction of abandoned chemical weapons in China.
— "China Urges OPCW, Japan on Destroying Abandoned Chemical Weapons," Xinhua News Service, 14 May 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
18 June 2001
The U.S. State Department imposes sanctions on the Chinese firm Jiangsu Yongli Chemicals for transferring sensitive technology to Iran under the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000. The sanctions will remain in effect until June 2003.
— George Gedda, "U.S. Sanctions Companies for Military Transfers to Iran," Associated Press, 28 June 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Federal Register: 26 June 2001 (Volume 66, Number 123), Department of State, Bureau of Nonproliferation, FR Doc. 01-16009, Filed 6-25-01, <http://frwebgate3.access.gpo.gov>.
26 June 2001
Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Iranian President Mohammad Khatami sign a joint communiqué, wherein the two sides state their commitment to a world free from nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, and both sides express their support to make the Middle East a nuclear, biological and chemical weapons free zone.
Note: President Khatami visited China from June 22 to June 26.
— "Full text of China-Iran Joint Communiqué," Xinhua News Agency, 22 June 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 June 2001
China protests what it calls "irrational" U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies for allegedly aiding Iran to develop chemical weapons. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhang Qiyue says that China is committed to the Chemical Weapons Convention and that it "will by no means help any country develop such weapons." She adds that, "These companies are engaged in normal international chemical trade, which is in line with the spirit and goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention." According to Zhang, China's export of sensitive chemicals, equipment and technologies is managed in strict accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention control lists.
— "China Demands U.S. Remove Sanctions on Chinese Firms," Xinhua News Agency, 28 June 2001; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
December 2001
Amendments to the Criminal Law of the PRC designates as criminal offenses acts such as illegally manufacturing, trafficking, transporting, stockpiling or using toxic materials, and stipulates punishments for such offenses.
— "China Nonproliferation Policy and Measures," Information Office of the State Council, December 2003, <http://www.china.org.cn>.
16 January 2002
The U.S. imposes sanctions on three Chinese entities, Liyang Chemical Equipment Company, the China Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Company, and an individual broker and agent named as Q.C. Chen, under the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000. U.S. State Department spokesperson Richard Boucher says that restrictions are placed on China "for the transfer to Iran of equipment and technology that's used for the manufacture of chemical and biological weapons; equipment that's controlled under" the Australia Group.
— "China Demands Removal of U.S. Sanctions over Weapons Trade with Iran," Agence France Presse, 26 January 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Federal Register, U.S. Government of Printing Office, 24 January 2002 (Volume 67, Number 16), <http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov>.
25 January 2002
China's Foreign Ministry condemns U.S. sanctions imposed on 16 January against three Chinese firms accused of supplying Iran with materials used to make chemical and biological weapons, and calls the sanctions "unreasonable." The three companies are Liyang Chemical Equipment Company, the China Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Company, and an individual broker and agent named as Q.C. Chen.
— "China Urges End to U.S. Sanctions over Weapons Trade with Iran," Agence France Presse, 25 January 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
19 March 2002
Carl W. Ford Jr., U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, says that Chinese military forces possess advanced plans for chemical warfare and is likely to achieve the necessary expertise and delivery capability to integrate chemical weapons successfully into overall military operations. He adds that Iran seeks CW-related materials from China.
— "China Rejects U.S. Allegation of Harboring Chemical Weapons," Financial Times, 21 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Carl W. Ford, Jr., Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, "Hearing on Reducing the Threat of Chemical and Biological Weapons Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations," 19 March 2002.
21 March 2002
In response to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, Carl W. Ford Jr.'s allegation that the Chinese military possesses advanced plans for chemical warfare, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Zhang Qiyue, states that China does not possess chemical weapons and strictly adheres to and supports the Chemical Weapons Convention.
— "China Rejects U.S. Allegation of Harboring Chemical Weapons," Financial Times, 21 March 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
9 July 2002
The United States imposes economic sanctions on eight Chinese companies and a Chinese individual pursuant to the 1992 Iran-Iraq Nonproliferation Act. The firms are sanctioned for "selling destabilizing arms and germ-weapons materials" to Iran in three separate occasions between September 2000 and October 2001. The firms are Jiangsu Yongli Chemicals and Technology Import and Export Corporation; Q.C. Chen; China Machinery and Equipment Import Export Corporation; China National Machinery and Equipment Import Export Corporation; CMEC Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Company Ltd.; CMEC Machinery and Electrical Import Export Company, Ltd.; China Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Company; Wha Cheong Tai Company Ltd.; and China Shipbuilding Trading Company. The Jiangsu Yongli Chemical and Technological Import and Export Corporation and the CMEC Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Company Ltd. deny violating U.S. laws on the transfer of arms related technology.
— Bill Gertz, "U.S. Penalized 8 Chinese Firms," Washington Times, 19 July 2002, p. 1; Joe McDonald, "Chinese Companies Deny U.S. Weapons-Proliferation Accusations," Associated Press, 25 July 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Federal Register, U.S. Government of Printing Office, 5 July 2002 (Volume 67, Number 143), <http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov>.
27 August 2002
The Taiwanese government states that it has fully complied with the aims and principles set out by the Chemical Weapons Convention to advocate the prohibition of development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and the destruction of existing weapons.
— "Taiwan Fully Supports Chemical Weapons Convention," Financial Times, 27 August 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
6-27 September 2002
In China's Hebei province, a Japanese government team excavates and retrieves 193 chemical shells, 154 toxic canisters, and four barrels of chemical toxicant left in China during WWII by Japan.
— "Japanese Team Retrieves Chemical Weapons Abandoned in China," Agence France Presse, 27 September 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
October 2002
The Chinese government promulgates the Measures on the Export Control of Certain Chemicals and Related Equipment and Technologies. The Measures supplement the Regulations on the Administration of the Controlled Chemicals by adding 10 chemicals to the list. The Measures also provide a licensing system for the export of the materials and technologies on the control list. They require importers to guarantee that the controlled chemicals and related equipment and technologies supplied by China will not be used for stockpiling, processing, producing or handling chemical weapons, or for producing precursor chemicals for chemical weapons. Without the consent of the Chinese government, the related materials and technologies cannot be used for purposes other than the declared end-use or be retransferred to a third party other.
— "China Nonproliferation Policy and Measures," Information Office of the State Council, December 2003, <http://www.china.org.cn>.
19 October 2002
As part of a comprehensive overhaul of its nonproliferation regulations, China releases strengthened export controls for chemicals and an expanded control list. (The new list fully covers all chemicals in the CWC schedules as well as all the chemicals and related-equipment in the Australia Group list.) The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) spokesperson Gao Yan states: "As an important component of China's export control legal system, the measures are significant to implementing the country's nonproliferation policy, to fulfilling its international obligations, to safeguarding its national security as well as social and public interests, to standardizing its export control of sensitive items, and to maintaining the normal order of foreign trade."
Note: MOFTEC is later reorganized and turned into the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). MOFCOM has primary responsibility for dual-use export controls in China.
— "PRC FM Spokesperson on Measures on Export Controls of Chemicals," Xinhua News Agency, 19 October 2002, in FBIS CPP20021019000058.
24 July 2003
In her testimony before the U.S.-China Commission, assistant secretary of state for verification and compliance, Paula A. DeSutter expresses concern regarding China's commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and the role played by Chinese entities in "providing CW-related equipment, technology, and precursor materials to Iran." She says, "United States believes that, despite being a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) China has an advanced chemical weapons research and development program." She later adds, "[The U.S.] also believes that China possesses an inventory of traditional CW agents."
— U.S. Department of State, "China's Record of Proliferation Activities," Paula A. DeSutter, Testimony before the U.S.-China Commission, 24 July 2003, <http://www.nuclearfiles.org>.
4 August 2003
An estimated 40 people are hospitalized in China's northeastern city of Qiqihar in Heilongjiang Province due to a toxic gas leak from abandoned chemical weapons left by the Japanese army during World War II.
— "Japan Offers Condolences over Chinese Victim of WWII Gas Leak," Japan Economic Newswire, Kyodo News Service, Tokyo, 22 August 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
2 September 2003
A Chinese official attends the first Asian Crisis Management Conference in Tokyo to discuss countermeasures to terrorist attacks made with biological, chemical and nuclear weapons.
Note: The conference is sponsored by the Asian Network of Major Cities 21, which includes Bangkok, Beijing, Delhi, Hanoi, Jakarta, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo.
— "Asian cities' meeting discusses crisis management," Xinhua News Service, 2 September 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 September 2003
A Singapore court charges Welcome Trading, with offices in China, Vietnam and North Korea with exporting two consignments of sodium cyanide without a permit. Sodium cyanide is a toxic dual-use chemical that can be used as a nerve agent. The company is charged with disregarding import and export control regulations.
Note: Sodium cyanide is controlled by the Australia Group and has significant commercial value.
— "Firms in Singapore Court over Chemical Used to Make Nerve Agents," Agence France Presse, 3 September 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 September 2003
Japanese government sources say the Japanese government will compensate victims of the Qiqihar gas leak from chemical weapons left by Japan during World War II with 100 million yen.
Note: The gas leak occurred on 4 August 2003.
— "China Concerned about Japan's Missile Defense, Poison Gas," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 September 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 September 2003
More than 2,000 Chinese police officers take part in a large-scale anti-terror exercise in the northern region of the China's Inner Mongolia province, the first of its kind in that area. The police officers are being trained in dealing with terrorists trying to use chemical weapons on Chinese territory.
— "China Holds Major Anti-terrorism Exercise in Inner Mongolia," Agence France Presse, 24 September 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
30 September 2003
The Tokyo District Court orders the Japanese government to pay ¥190 million in compensation for Chinese killed and sickened by chemical weapons abandoned by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II.
— "China Weapons Victims Get 190 Million Award," International Herald Tribune, 30 September 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
21 October 2003
China and Pakistan begin a three-day naval exercise off the coast of Shanghai. The joint maneuvers include damage control for nuclear, biological and chemicals weapons attacks.
— Munir Ahmad, "Pakistan, China Begin Joint Naval Exercise," Associated Press, 21 October 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 December 2003
China's State Council publishes a White Paper on nonproliferation, pledging not to assist any country in development of weapons of mass destruction. "China has always taken a responsible attitude toward international affairs, stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all kinds of WMD, including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and resolutely opposed the proliferation of such weapons and their means of delivery." China continues to express its support for peaceful use of dual-technologies in areas of the nuclear, chemical, biological and aerospace. The White Paper states that all exporters of sensitive items and technologies, including controlled chemicals, must be registered with designated departments of the central government. Controlled chemicals are subject to examination by the State Development and Reform Commission, jointly with the Ministry of Commerce. The control list of chemicals includes those listed in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the Australian Group.
— "China Publishes White Paper on Non-Proliferation," Xinhua News Agency, 3 December 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Nonproliferation Policy and Measures," Information Office of the State Council, December 2003, <http://www.china.org.cn>.
27 January 2004
President Hu Jintao of China and President Jacques Chirac of France issue a joint communiqué where they agree to strengthen cooperation in arms control, proliferation prevention, and export controls on sensitive items, and both reiterate the importance of strictly abiding by the Chemical Weapons Convention.
— Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, Statement by Mr. Hu Xiaodi, Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs of China, at the Plenary of the 2004 Session of the Conference on Disarmament, 12 February 2004, <http://www.china-un.ch>.
11 February 2004
Chinese chemical weapons defense troops are deployed to locate a football sized lead container of cesium-137 stolen from a power plant construction site in Pucheng, a county in northern China's Shaanxi Province. Police believe that the highly radioactive material was mistaken for scrap metal to be sold to salvage companies. Investigators have ruled out the involvement of terrorists, but the material could potentially be used to build radiological "dirty bombs."
— Elaine Kurtenbach, "Racing to Find Radioactive Material, Chinese Authorities Warn Thieves: Don't Open It," Associated Press, 11 February 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
5 March 2004
Japan's Center for Information on Security Trade Control (CISTEC) hosts the Sino-Japanese Export Control Seminar in Beijing. Japan and China plan to work together to strengthen export controls on products that may be used for the production of weapons of mass destruction. Japan will offer Chinese companies and high-ranking officials of trade-related ministries advice on export control and provide China with a list of export-restricted products.
— "Tokyo to Offer Advice on Stopping Export of Dangerous Products," The Asahi Shimbun, 1 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Center for Information on Security Trade Control, 2440 Sino-Japanese Export Control Seminar, Beijing, 20 April 2004, <http://www.cistec.or.jp>.
31 March 2004
China participates in a two-day Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila to boost co-operation in combined anti-terrorism efforts in the transport sector through protection of travel documents and visa systems, transportation of arms, explosives and bio-chemical weapons, as well as an increase in exchange of information on terrorist groups and related activities.
— "ARF Agrees to Boost Co-operation in Combating Terrorism in Transport Sector," Agence France Presse, 31 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 April 2004
The UN Security Council (UNSC), of which China is a permanent member, unanimously adopts UNSC Resolution 1540, which seeks to prevent non-state actors from acquiring chemical and weapons and other WMD. UNSC 1540 requires all member states to adopt domestic laws designed to prevent non-state actors from acquiring, producing, transporting, or using WMD and their means of delivery. The resolution also calls for states to develop effective accounting measures to quantify and track sensitive materials, maintain adequate physical protection and border security, and establish export controls governing the export and trans-shipment of sensitive items.
— "Resolution 1540 (2004)," UN Security Council document S/Res/1540, 28 April 2004.
29 June 2004
China's Department of Arms Control in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that: "In the chemical field, China made positive contributions to the negotiation and conclusion of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction ... by submitting initial and annual declarations of all kinds on schedule and in their entirety."
— "China's Non-Proliferation Policy and Related Export Control Mechanisms," Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Department of Arms Control, Beijing, 29 June 2004, <http://fmprc.gov.cn>.
9 December 2004
In a joint declaration with the European Union, China commits to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC) by promoting the "universalisation of the CWC and cooperating to help strengthen its national implementation."
— "Joint Declaration of the People's Republic of China and the European Union on Non-proliferation and Arms Control," Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 9 December 2004, <http://www.fmprc.gov.cn>.
30 August 2005
In a report to Congress on international compliance with arms control and nonproliferation agreements, the US Department of State found with respect to a potential Chinese CW program: "The United Sates judges that China maintains a CW production mobilization capability, although there is insufficient information available to determine whether it maintains an active offensive CW research and development program. Moreover, in violation of its CWC obligations, China has not acknowledged past transfers of chemical weapons and it may not have declared the full extent of its CW-related facilities." This finding is significantly different than the finding of a June 2003 Department of State report, which stated, "The United States assesses that China maintains an active offensive R&D CW program, a possible undeclared CW stockpile, and CW-related facilities that were not declared. Such activities are inconsistent with the CWC."
— Department of State, Bureau of Verification and Compliance, Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments, Washington, DC, 30 August 2005, <http://www.state.gov>.
1 September 2005
China's Information Office of the State Council issues China's white paper on arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation. The paper states that China has suffered from the use of chemical weapons used by the Japanese army during World War II and still continues to suffer from the abandoned weapons. It also states that China has received 95 on-site inspections by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and all conclusions demonstrate that "China has strictly implemented its obligations under the Convention."
— "China Issues White Paper on Arms Control," Asia Pulse, 1 September 2005; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 December 2005
The US government imposed sanctions on several Chinese government-run companies under the Iran Nonproliferation Act for selling missile- and chemical arms-related goods to Iran. According to a media report, one of the Chinese companies, Zibo Chemet Equipment Company, is "known to make glass-lined containers that can be used to make chemical weapons." The Chinese foreign ministry responded by calling for the sanctions to be lifted, describing them as an "unlawful action."
— Bill Gertz, "U.S. Puts Sanctions on Chinese Firms for Aiding Tehran," Washington Times, 27 December 2005; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Bill Gertz, "China Raps Sanctions for Iran Arms Sales; U.S. Action Undermines Relations, Beijing Says," Washington Times, December 29, 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
June 2006
In Beijing, Chinese officials representing several government ministries participate in negotiations with a delegation from the Australia Group (AG). The negotiations may establish the foundation for China's future membership in the AG.
— Jay Philip Nash and Richard Glen Young, "East Asian Export Control Update: Continued Development of Key Supplier and Transit States," International Export Control Observer, March/April 2007, p. 16, <http://cns.miis.edu>.
14 September 2006
In testimony before the US Congress, US officials expressed concern over China's commitment to the nonproliferation of biological weapons. Assistant Secretary of State for Verification, Compliance, and Implementation Paula Desutter stated, "We maintain reservations about China's current research activities and dual-use capabilities, which raise the possibility that sophisticated BW and CW work could be underway. [...] In addition, the United States believes that China maintains a CW production mobilization capability, although we simply do not have enough information to determine whether China maintains an active offensive CW research and development program." The next day, the Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly refuted the claims.
— US Congress, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, "China's Proliferation to North Korea and Iran, and Its Role in Addressing the Nuclear and Missile Situation in Both Nations," 109th Cong., 2nd sess., September 14, 2006, p. 10; "China Exclusive: China Refutes U.S. Officials' Criticism on Nonproliferation," Xinhua General News Service, 15 September 2006; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
21 December 2006
Japanese and Chinese officials agree to form a joint body to recover and dispose of Japanese chemical weapons left on Chinese territory after WWII. The body will be centered in northeast China, in the Jilin province, where most of the 700,000-2,000,000 individual weapons are believed to be located.
— "Japan, China to Form Body for Disposal of Chemical Weapons," Agence France Presse, 21 December 2006; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>.
29 December 2006
China releases National Defense white paper that summarizes and reiterates major themes of the 2005 white paper on arms control and nonproliferation. With respect to chemical weapons, the document emphasizes CWC compliance and progress achieved regarding chemical weapons abandoned by Japan.
— Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, China's National Defense in 2006, Beijing, 29 December 2006, <http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/book/194421.htm>.
5 January 2007
The US government imposes sanctions on three Chinese-run state companies under the Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act of 2005 in response to "an interagency review of intelligence on transfers that happened within the last two years." According to a media report, one of the companies, the Zibo Chemical Equipment Plant, has been linked to chemical weapons sales.
— Bill Gertz, "Sanctions Imposed on Iran, Syria Arms Suppliers," Washington Times, 5 January 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 January 2007
Chinese plaintiffs sue the Japanese government for 1.43 billion yen (roughly $12 million) for injuries sustained in 2003 to 44 people, including one death, when a group of Chinese construction workers opened a barrel of poison gas left by the Japanese after World War II. The survivors suffered chronic illness, including vision problems, respiratory illness, and fatigue. Japan had agreed to pay 300 million yen to the victims, but the plaintiffs allege this is insufficient to cover medical costs and other financial damages resulting from the accident.
— Mari Yamaguchi, "Chinese Victims of Japanese Chemical Weapon Sue Japan's Government," Associated Press Worldstream, 25 January 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>.
13 March 2007
The Tokyo High Court upholds a May 2003 ruling that rejected a claim by Chinese plaintiffs seeking compensation for injuries caused by leaking chemical weapons that were abandoned by Japanese forces during World War II. The court ruled that while Japan had illegally disposed of chemical weapons on Chinese territory, after WWII it was impossible for successive Japanese governments to adequately clear the weapons.
— Mari Yamaguchi, "Tokyo Court Rejects Appeal in Gas Case," Associated Press Online, 13 March 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>.
2 June 2007
The US government is closely watching a Chinese national, Qingchang (Q.C.) Chen, who is suspected of heading a supplier network engaged in the proliferation of chemical weapons-related materials to Iran. According to a media report, one former US official referred to Chen as "the A.Q. Khan of chemical weapons," referring to the Pakistani nuclear weapons scientist who directed a nuclear weapons technology proliferation ring. The US government has repeatedly imposed sanctions on Chen, which have largely been of symbolic value.
— "U.S. Closely Monitoring Asian Chemical Black Market," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 June 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>.
18 July 2007
The Tokyo High Court overturns a September 2003 lower court ruling which awarded a settlement of 190 million yen (roughly $1.6 million) to 13 Chinese victims, or families of victims, injured by Japanese chemical weapons abandoned on Chinese territory during World War II. In issuing his ruling, Judge Katsumi Kobayashi stated, "I cannot recognize that if Japan had dealt more properly with arms that these accidents would have inevitably been prevented." Nevertheless, he urged the Japanese government to help identify "a thorough and fair solution [...] taking into account financial, political, and diplomatic considerations."
— Harumi Ozawa, "Tokyo Court Rejects Compensation for Chinese Chemical Victims," Agence France Presse, 18 July 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>.
28 September 2007
At the 50th session of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council in the Hague, Xue Hanqin, China's permanent representative to the OPCW, stated that Japan had not yet disposed of a single abandoned chemical weapon recovered from Chinese territory.
— "Japan 'Hasn't Disposed' a Single Chemical Weapon," China Daily, 28 September 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>.
19 October 2007
Japanese investigators raid two companies, Abandoned Chemical Weapons Disposal Corporation and Pacific Consultants International, who are involved in removal and disposal of abandoned Japanese chemical weapons from China. The companies are accused of diverting a portion of the funds (roughly $866,000) intended for weapons cleanup and engaging in illegal outsourcing to cover their tracks. It is unclear whether the scandal will further delay Japan's efforts to remove the abandoned weapons.
— Mari Yamaguchi, "Japan Firm Beset by Poison Gas Scandal," Associated Press Online, 19 October 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>.
17 January 2008
Two Chinese teenagers file suit in a Tokyo district court demanding compensation for injuries sustained in July 2004, when they were exposed to abandoned chemical weapons left in Jilin province. The plaintiffs claim that chemicals from a Japanese bomb leaked into the Dunhua River staining their skin, and leading to swelling around their hands and feet. They cite ongoing illnesses including respiratory issues and damage to their eyesight.
— "Chinese youths sue over chemical shell injuries," Japan Times, 18 January 2008, in EBSCOhost, ebscohost.com; "Chinese victims of WW2 chemical weapons want compensation from Japan," BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 17 January 2008, in Lexis Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
10 March 2008
The Japan-based firm, Pacific Consultants
International (PCI), has officially pulled out of its contract to clean up
abandoned chemical weapons left in China by Japanese forces in WWII. This
withdrawal is a result of the scandal that surfaced in 2007 where PCI executives
were charged with corruption and embezzlement of government funds that were
allocated for the purpose of chemical weapons removal in China.
— Shari Oliver and Stephanie Lieggi, "Program to Clean-up Abandoned Chemical
Weapons in China Moves Sluggishly," WMD Insights, June 2008.
"Consultancy to pull out of arms disposal," The Daily
Yomiuri (Tokyo), 10 March 2008, in Lexis Nexis
<www.lexis-nexis.com>.
8 April 2008
China’s delegation to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Review Conference, led by Ambassador Cheng Jingye, calls on all possessor nations to complete the destruction of their chemical weapons by the April 29, 2012 deadline. The Chinese delegation emphasizes the need to prioritize funding for verification and destruction activity, as well as the need to improve programs for international exchange and co-operation in the field of chemical activities, so as to provide incentives for nations to join the CWC.
— "China says destruction of chemical weapons top priority of convention," BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 8 April 8 2008, in Lexis Nexis, www.lexis-nexis.com; "Xinhua: Destruction of Chemical Weapons Top Priority of Convention, China says," Xinhua News Agency, 8 April 2008, in OSC Document CPP20080408968215.
23 April 2008
Tokyo prosecutors arrest four executives of Pacific Consultants International (PCI), which is the parent company of Abandoned Chemical Weapons Disposal Corporation (ACWD)—the company contracted to cleanup WWII era chemical weapons left by the Japanese in northeast China. Prosecutors accuse the executives of misusing 300 million yen, allocated by the Japanese government to ACWD for the cleanup. The contract was awarded to ACWD in a no-bid process, reportedly due to close ties between former PCI president, Tamio Araki and the Japanese government. This is one of many missteps that have led to delays in the project, the deadline for the completion of which has already been extended by five years to 2012.
— "4 arrested in scandal over Japan's removal of WWII chemical weapons in China," International Herald Tribune, www.iht.com/ articles/ ap/ 2008/ 04/23/ asia/ AS-GEN- Japan- China- Weapons- Disposal.php.; Shari Oliver and Stephanie Lieggi, "Program to Clean-up Abandoned Chemical Weapons in China Moves Sluggishly," WMD Insights, June 2008, www.wmdinsights.com/ I25/ I25_ EA1_ Program To CleanUp.htm.
7 May 2008
The government of China and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) co-sponsor a weeklong course on protection and assistance against CW attack at the People’s Liberation Army Institute of Chemical Defense in Beijing. Seeking to implement the article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) which provides for protection and assistance to member states in the case of chemical attack, the course aimed to help students from 18 nations in the Asia-Pacific region develop skills to deal with the threat of chemical weapons and chemical accidents.
—"Xinhua: China Launches Five-Day Chemical Weapons Training Course," Xinhua New Agency, 12 May 2008, in OSC Document CPP20080512968158.
5 June 2008
Three are killed and 15 injured by a toxic gas leak in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. There are reports that the toxic gas phosgene, a chemical used both in chemical weapons and the production of glass was released when workers recycling scrap metal tried to break apart World War II era munitions bottles found in a local field.
— "Gas leak in China contained phosgene - Russian ministry," RIA Novosti, 6 June 2008 in LexisNexis www.lexis-nexis.com; "Toxic gas leakage causes 18 casualties in N.E. China," Xinhua General News Service, 6 June 2008 in LexisNexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
19 June 2008
The Chinese government has established an
anti-chemical unit and deployed 100,000 law enforcement and military officials
to provide anti-terrorist security during the Olympic Games. The security
forces have practiced anti-terrorist drills which include the response to a
simulated chemical weapon attack. In addition, 290,000 volunteer civilians have
pledged to join security forces against terrorist activities.
— "China Deploys 100,000 Anti-Terrorist Forces Ahead of Olympics," Tokyo Kyodo
World Service, 19 June 2008, Open Source Document JPP20080619969083. "Anti-Chemical Unit Takes Part in Security for Beijing
Olympics," Ming Pao, 17 December 2007, in Lexis Nexis <www.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 June 2008
The costal city of Tianjin hosts the first in a series of anti-terror drills dubbed "Binhai 6." The drill simulates a chemical weapons attack by terrorists using the explosion of a parked car to spread a chemical gas outside of an Olympic football venue. Other drills over the course of two days include simulations of bomb attacks and the spread of rumors of attacks. These drills coordinate action between local and national police offices, utility departments, rescue officers, and the military.
—"China holds anti-terror drills in Tianjin ahead of Olympics," Xinhua General News Service, 24 June 2008 in LexisNexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
17 July 2008
In preparation for the Olympic Games, the Bureau of Counterterrorism of China's Ministry of Public Security prints and distributes "Brace Yourself Against Terror Attack: A Citizen's Handbook." The handbook describes how a citizen might recognize a chemical or biological terror attack, as well as what practical responses a citizen might take in reporting or dealing with such an attack.
— "China publishes handbook on signs of poison attack," BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 20 July 2008 in LexisNexis www.lexis-nexis.com; "China hands out manuals teaching citizens to escape terrorist attacks," Xinhua General News Service, 17 July 2008 in LexisNexis, www.lexis-nexis.com.
This
material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and
does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently
verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2008
by MIIS.
