7 January 1995
China Nuclear Energy Corporation begins supplying enriched uranium to India’s Tarapur nuclear reactor, though the country is not a member of the NPT. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved the sale when India agreed not to reprocess the spent fuel bought from China.
--"World News Briefs; India Turns to China to Fuel Nuclear Plant," New York Times, 8 January 1995, p. A11, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 January 1995
India’s decision to buy enriched uranium from China to fuel its Tarapur reactor has surprised many experts, because India has traditionally cited China’s "burgeoning nuclear arsenal" as one of its greatest threats. India, a non-NPT signatory country, found no other country willing to sell it nuclear fuel. The transaction is a sign of normalizing relations between India and China.
--Brahma Chellaney "Indian-Chinese Deal Startles Analysts," Washington Times, 11 January 1995, p. A15, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 January 1995
China intends to continue testing nuclear weapons, despite Japanese objections. Chinese government officials tell their Japanese counterparts in a meeting that they will continue "limited" nuclear tests for the time being, but that China intends to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in 1996.
--"China Indicates Plan to Continue Nuclear Tests," Agence France Presse, 14 January 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 January 1995
Sha Zukang, head of the Chinese delegation at the Fourth Preparatory Committee for the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, describes nuclear disarmament, the NPT, and other arms control treaties as "all steps toward the realization of the ultimate goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world." Sha also suggests the drafting of a new treaty that prohibits "all nuclear weapon test explosions that release nuclear energy at any time and in any place," but allows for civilian nuclear testing.
--"China Reiterates Position on NPT Treaty," Xinhua General Overseas News Agency, 23 January 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 January 1995
U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher sharply criticizes Russia and China for recent deals selling nuclear reactors to Iran. Speaking of the two countries, Christopher says, "We are deeply concerned that some nations are prepared to cooperate with Iran in the nuclear field...The United States places the highest priority on denying Iran a nuclear weapons capability."
--Steven Greenhouse, "Russia and China Pressed Not to Sell A-Plants to Iran," New York Times, 14 July 1995, p. A6, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 January 1995
China, along with the four other recognized nuclear weapons states, Britain, France, Russia, and the U.S., pushes for permanent and unlimited extension of the NPT. Opponents claim the NPT is flawed because it has failed to achieve disarmament among the nuclear powers and lacks a ban on nuclear testing. The Chinese delegate to the U.N. panel meeting expresses that his country is in favor of the NPT, but will not re-sign unless the treaty allows for civilian nuclear blasts, which China plans to conduct in the coming years.
--"Nuke and Nonnuke Powers Apart on Extension of NPT," Japan Economic Newswire, 24 January 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 February 1995
A Chinese government official, speaking under the condition of anonymity, expresses China’s intention to sign the CTBT by 1996, but urges other nuclear states to sign a no-first strike agreement. Believing that the CTBT does not go far enough in decreasing WMD, the official tells foreign media representatives, "It is necessary to strive for the complete liquidation of this type of mass annihilation weapons." He also denounces "stellar wars" and any kind of anti-missile system in outer space.
--Grigor Yarslanov and Pavel Spirin, "China Offers the West Not to Use Nuclear Weapons First," TASS, 17 February 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 February 1995
A Chinese Foreign Ministry official cautions the U.S. against developing a high-tech missile shield and sharing it with its Asian allies. Any "Star Wars"-like missile defense system "will increase the danger of nuclear war" as well as "trigger an arms race in outer space," the official comments. "If a country with nuclear weapons has a spear and then gets a shield, you can imagine what would happen."
--Patrick E. Tyler, "China Warns Against ‘Star Wars’ Shield for U.S. Forces in Asia," New York Times, 18 February 1995, p. A4, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

13 March 1995
Japan will assist China in extracting plutonium from spent reactor fuel. Japanese officials speculate that in five years, China will possess a reactor capable of producing 100 tons of plutonium per year. Japan hopes to use the plutonium for peaceful purposes in its own nuclear reactors; opponents fear that China will use the fuel in its nuclear weapons program.
--Kozo Mizoguchi, "Japanese Official: China to Produce Plutonium from Spent Fuel," Associated Press, 13 March 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 March 1995
Using hydrogen fluoride which it bought from Germany and China, Iran now has the ability to produce uranium hexafluoride gas, an ingredient necessary in the production of weapons-grade uranium. Iran claims that the uranium hexafluoride gas is intended for uranium enrichment in its civilian nuclear power plants.
-- "Iran Now Capable of Producing Nuclear Weapons Material," Iran Brief, 15 March 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 March 1995
The five declared nuclear powers, the United States, Britain, China, France, and Russia, collectively agree to provide security assurances to non-nuclear NPT member states in the event of an attack. The pledge is presented in the form of a draft resolution in preparation for the NPT review conference scheduled to take place from 17 April to 12 May.
--Rene Slama, "The Five Nuclear Powers Offer Non-proliferation Guarantees," Agence France Presse, 24 March 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 March 1995
Responding to accusations that China has exported nuclear weapons-technology to Iran, a Chinese government official says, "It’s completely groundless to allege that China and Iran are engaging in transactions of nuclear and chemical weapons." He describes his country’s nuclear assistance to Iran as "normal and peace-intended."
--"China Rejects Allegations of Nuclear, Chemical Deals with Iran," Agence France Presse, 29 March 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 March 1995
China’s Ambassador to the United Nations Li Zhaoxing gives no definitive answer to reporters on whether or not his country plans to renew the NPT next month, saying, "We have our own position." The U.S., Britain, France, and Russia, all support unconditional renewal of the NPT, which has been in effect since 1970 and has 172 signatories.
--"China Not Being Pinned Down on NPT Stance," Agence France Presse, 30 March 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 April 1995
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chen Jian calls once more for an international nuclear no-first-strike agreement 12 days before the start of NPT renewal talks at the UN. "China undertakes not to be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time or under any circumstances," says Chen. He invites other nuclear powers to do the same, urging for the "early conclusion of an international convention on no-first-use of nuclear weapons."
--"China Reaffirms Commitment to Avoid Nuclear Weapon First Strike," Agence France Presse, 05 April 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 April 1995
Military experts from Russia, Japan, the U.S., China, and South Korea draft plans for the creation of a nuclear weapons-free zone in Northeast Asia. The zone would encompass all territory within a 2,200km radius around an as-of-yet unspecified point on the 38th parallel. Contributor Toshiyuki Shikata, former vice president of Japan’s National Defense Agency Academy, expects an official draft to be ready to present to the five participating governments soon.
-- Andrei Varlamov, "A Far Eastern Nuclear-Free Zone Suggested," TASS, 6 April 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 April 1995
Chinese military officials, quoted in Jane’s Defense Weekly, claim that China is planning to conduct five additional nuclear weapons tests before signing the comprehensive test ban treaty at the end of 1996.
--"Jane’s Weekly Says China Plans More Nuclear Tests," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 April 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

13 April 1995
Zhang Huazhu, corporate vice president of China’s National Nuclear Development Corporation, announces plans to develop plutonium-producing breeder reactors for civilian use. The goal is to be able to reprocess 400-800 tons of spent fuel annually by 2001. His company is currently researching options for consumer uses of plutonium extracted from breeder and light-water reactors.
--"China to Step up N-Programme," Financial Times, 13 April 1995, p. 7, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

13 April 1995
The Chinese nuclear reactor at Daya Bay is closed for maintenance and refueling. Huang Qitao, director general of China’s National Nuclear Safety Commission (NNSA), says there is "no question" of safety with the reactor, though drop times for control rods have been slower than expected. The French-made reactor began full-scale operation in February 1994 and will remain closed until the control rods are operating according to standards.
--"No Safety Concerns in Closure of China’s Nuclear Plant: Official," Agence France Presse, 13 April 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Chinese Reactor to Stay Closed," Financial Times, 12 April 1995, p. 7, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 April 1995
Hours before the start of the NPT review conference at the United Nations in New York, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen rejects a warning from U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher that Iran is "too dangerous a country" for nuclear technology. Qian responds, saying "there is no international law or international regulation or international agreement" that forbids China from selling civilian nuclear technology to Iran.
--"China Rejects U.S. Appeal to Ban Nuclear Sale to Iran," Houston Chronicle, 18 April 1995, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Elaine Sciolino, "Beijing Rebuffs U.S. on Halting Iran Atom Deal," New York Times, 18 April 1995, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 April 1995 - 12 May 1995
At the NPT review conference in New York, 178 nations convene to discuss extension of the NPT, which is scheduled to expire this year after 25 years. Four of the five nuclear powers, United States, Britain, France, and Russia, favor unlimited extension and reinforcement of the treaty. China, along with other non-nuclear powers, prefers limited extension of the treaty, hoping to address problems such as discrimination against non-nuclear states and lack of disarmament among the nuclear powers.
--"UN in Bid to Banish Nuclear War Threat," Courier-Mail, 18 April, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Jack R. Payton, "Meeting Will Decide Future of Nuclear Treaty," St. Petersburg Times (Florida), 18 April 1995, p. 2A, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Juan J. Walte, "U.S., China Have Words as Nuclear Summit Opens," USA Today, 18 April 1995, p. A9, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 April 1995
Chinese vice-premiere and foreign minister Qian Qichen says that extension of the NPT "will contribute to the maintenance of international peace, security and stability." Qian also points out that the treaty "is unbalanced in certain aspect as it sets out different rights and obligations for different states parties...such limitations and defects could be gradually redressed and corrected through continued progress in nuclear disarmament and enhanced cooperation between countries for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy."
--"NPT Contributes to Int'l Peace: Qian Qichen," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 18 April 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 April 1995
A report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace warns that instability caused by the impending death of Deng Xiaoping could lead to security lapses and proliferation of China’s nuclear materials. Deng is 90 and experiencing health problems; his death is expected to "greatly increase the possibility of unauthorized transfers of sensitive nuclear materials and technology and could conceivably result in fragmentation of the country’s nuclear arsenal among competing factions or, in an extreme case, new splinter states."
--"China Could Be Next Nuclear ‘Leaker,’ Says Carnegie Report," Associated Press, 27 April 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

8 May 1995
China finalizes plans to spend $3.23 billion building its 3rd nuclear power plant, which will be located southeast of Beijing. The plant will comprise four 1,000-megawatt reactors.
--"World Wire: Third Nuclear Plant for China," Wall Street Journal, 8 May 1995, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 May 1995
NPT review conference ends in New York with 170 countries agreeing to extend the NPT indefinitely. The five nuclear powers, China, Britain, France, Russia, and the U.S., agree to take further steps towards disarmament and to negotiate a comprehensive test ban treaty within the year.
--Ian Black, "170 Countries Vote to Extend Nuclear Treaty," Guardian, 12 May 1995, p. 16, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 May 1995
A Chinese foreign ministry representative summarizes his country’s position on the indefinite extension of the NPT, saying that the decision was "in the interests of all the signatory states," but that the move should not enable "nuclear weapon states to keep forever the privilege of possessing nuclear arms." The spokesperson indicates that disarmament is still a priority for China, saying, "we call on the relevant countries to make concerted efforts to reali[z]e the target of eliminating nuclear weapons at an early date."
--"China Says NPT Extension Not an End in Itself," Agence France Presse, 12 May 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 May 1995
China conducts its 42nd nuclear test 48 hours after approving indefinite extension of the NPT. The 95-kiloton blast occurs underground at the Lop Nur testing site in the dessert of China’s western Xinjiang province.
--"China’s Nuclear Tests: Dates, Yields, Types, Methods, and Comments," Nuclear Threat Initiative website, http://www.nti.org/db/china/testlist.htm>; "China Attacked Over Nuclear Test," Financial Times, 16 May 1995, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 May 1995
China’s sale of two nuclear reactors to Iran has been stalled due to "economic, business and commercial" differences as well as "technical problems and lots of conditions on which both sides have not reached agreement," states a senior official from the China National Nuclear Corporation. Opposed by the Clinton Administration, China views peaceful nuclear trade with Iran as within its rights as an NPT signatory country.
--Patrick E. Tyler, "China Reports New Problems in Atom Deal with Teheran," New York Times, 18 May 1995, p. 11, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 May 1995
Japanese government spokesperson Kozo Igarashi announces that Japan will cut grant aid to China as a result of its 15 May nuclear test. Though yen loans will not be affected, officials estimate that the grant aid package was to equal approximately Y7.8 billion ($126 million). "China’s nuclear test immediately after the extension of the treaty and after Prime Minister (Tomiichi) Murayama urged China to stop testing was extremely regrettable and shocking to our country," adds Igarashi. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Shen Guofang criticizes the cut in aid, saying, "We are always against politicizing economic issues and linking economic cooperation with political issues as a means to exert pressure, this move by the Japanese side is insensible and detrimental to the healthy development of Sino-Japanese relations."
--"Japan Cuts Aid to China Over N-test," Australian, 23 May 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Criticizes Japan's Grant Aid Cut," Japan Economic Newswire, 24 May 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 May 1995
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Shen Guofang announces that Beijing will no longer discuss nuclear and missile nonproliferation issues with the United States unless Washington rescinds an invitation for Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui to attend a reunion at his alma-mater, Cornell University. In an additional move to persuade the Clinton Administration to reevaluate its Taiwan policy, Beijing rescinds invitations for director of US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency John Holum and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political and Military Affairs Thomas McNamara to visit China in June and July.
--Tony Walker, "China Halts US Nuclear Talks: Anger Over Washington's Invitation to Taiwan's President," Financial Times, 29 May 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Steven Mufson, "China Halts Missile Talks With U.S.; Beijing Delays Visits In Taiwan Visa Feud," Washington Post, 29 May 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Hits Back over Lee Visit," Australian, 29 May 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 May 1995
Japanese government and media sources report that China has tested a new, mobile ICBM capable of reaching targets in Europe and North America. On acquiring the new missile, Japanese newspaper Sankai quotes a Chinese government attaché as saying, "Chinese nuclear capabilities will be significantly improved," and "China makes no bones about wanting to moderni[z]e its nuclear arsenal, and I think it’s clear that this test is linked to the nuclear-testing programme, and the development of a multiple-warhead missile."
--"China Fires New Mobile ICBM
-- Able to Strike Europe, US," Agence France Presse, 31 May 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 May 1995
Chinese Ambassador to the UN Disarmament Commission Sha Zukang calls for a treaty banning nuclear testing and expresses his hope that it be completed by 1996. On China’s continuing nuclear testing, Sha points out that "the number of China’s nuclear tests is quite limited compared with that of the big nuclear power, which owns the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal after conducting more than a thousand nuclear tests."
--"Top Negotiator Airs China’s Views on Disarmament," Xinhua Overseas News Service, 30 May 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 June 1995
A Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson comments on France’s announcement to conduct eight additional nuclear tests starting in September, saying, "We have already taken note of the announcement of the French government... At the moment, the parties concerned are working actively in Geneva to reach a good treaty on a comprehensive ban on nuclear tests, no later than the end of 1996. We hope that France will work with other countries, including China, in continuing making concerted efforts to realize such objective."
--"China Takes ‘Note’ of French Nuclear Test Decision," Agence France Presse, 15 June 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 June 1995
Opponents of nuclear testing protest in front of the Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan, demanding that Beijing stop exploding nuclear devices at its Lop Nur testing site in western China for environmental and health reasons. In response, the Chinese Ambassador extends invitations to two of the protestors to visit Lop Nur "to study whether the explosions are really having a destructive effect on nature and on the health and gene fund of the many millions of people in the Central Asian states and the Xinjiang-Uighur Autonomous Region of China."
--" Kyrgyz Anti-Nuclear Protesters Picket Chinese Embassy," Kyrgyz Television first channel via BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 June 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 June 1995
A report in the Chinese government-run newspaper China Daily announces plans to build seven new nuclear power plants within the next 15 years. The new plants are necessary in order to achieve the government’s target energy output of 20 million kilowatts by 2010, ten times what the Daya Bay power plant currently produces. Stressing the country’s need for new energy sources, the report reads: "'Policies worked out by the State Planning Commission stress that nuclear energy is the most promising source for the country’s energy needs."
--"China Plans More Nuclear Power Stations," United Press International, 25 June 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 June 1995
Russia agrees to assist China in the building of a new nuclear power plant in Liaoning province, in the northeast of China. The deal is struck by Chinese and Russian premiers Li Peng and Viktor Chernomyrdin during a meeting in Moscow. The leaders also discuss cooperation on projects involving hydro-electric power, commerce, and crime fighting.
--"Russia to Help Build Nuclear Plant in China," Agence France Presse, 26 June 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 June 1995
Japanese government officials suspect that Beijing is misallocating grant aid in order to build a nuclear bomb shelter. Japan has allocated part of its development assistance budget to help China build a Sino-Japanese environmental conservation center that is supposed to help China mitigate environmental damage. The shelter, being built underground with 60-centemeter thick concrete walls, was not in the original building plan that was agreed upon by Beijing and Tokyo.
--"China Builds N-Shelter in Japan-Funded Project," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 30 June 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 August 1995
China tests its second nuclear device of the year at its Lop Nur testing ground in western Xinjiang Province. Geologists in Canberra, Australia record a seismic shock measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale and estimate the yield of the explosion to be between 20 to 80 kilotons. After the test, Chinese Ambassador to the International Conference on Disarmament in Geneva Sha Zukang says, "Once the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty enters into force, China will abide by the treaty and stop forever nuclear tests." The test marks China’s fourth nuclear explosion in 14 months and 43rd total.
--"Beijing Pledges to Stop Forever All Tests," Business Times, 18 August 1995, p. 19, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Joe Tabacca, "China Defies Critics, Goes Ahead With Nuclear Test," Chicago Sun-Times, 18 August 1995, p. 2962, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Stages Nuclear Test, Incurs Global Criticism," Washington Post, 18 August 1995, p. A29, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 August 1995
Multiple countries once again condemn China for conducting its 43rd nuclear test. Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono announces a further reduction in grant-aid to China, though yen loans and emergency humanitarian assistance will continue. A White House representative says, "We regret [the test] and we urge the Chinese to refrain" from further testing. A Russian Foreign Ministry representative urges China to "reconsider its current policy concerning nuclear tests." Greenpeace hangs banners on the Chinese Embassy in Paris saying, "No to Chinese or French nuclear tests." Activists that unfurl a similar banner in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square are arrested and deported. Chen Jian, of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, responds by saying, "China has all along exercised utmost restraint on nuclear testing, and the tests it has conducted are extremely limited in number."
--Yomiuri Shimbun, "Japan to Restrain Grant Aid to China," Daily Yomiuri, 18 August 1995, p.1, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Stages Nuclear Test, Incurs Global Criticism," Washington Post, 18 August 1995, p. A29, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 August 1995
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson calls allegations by the CIA that China aided Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program "completely groundless." The intelligence report alleges that China began lending scientific support to Pakistan in 1974, and that this assistance played a key roll in Pakistan’s eventual attaining of nuclear weapons in 1983. The Chinese foreign ministry denies the claims.
--Kyodo, "China Denies Nuclear Claim," Financial Times, 25 August 1995, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 September 1995
Citing "confidential reports," British newspaper The Telegraph reports that China has provided nuclear expertise and equipment to Iran for the purposes of building a nuclear weapon. The article states that Chinese nuclear scientists are currently employed at a clandestine facility in Karaj, near Tehran, and that Iran has also bought Chinese-made calutrons after an order of gas centrifuges from Russia was cancelled at the White House’s request. Referring to the effects of Chinese assistance, an anonymous British nuclear expert is quoted as saying, "We know the Iranians have the technical expertise and now they have the material. If they want to build a bomb, they can do so."
--"Iran Getting Bomb Help?" Gazette, 25 September 1995, p. B1, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Helps Iran Enrich its Uranium: Report," Agence France Presse, 24 September, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 September 1995
Chinese Foreign Ministry official Chen Jian defends his country’s nuclear cooperation with Iran, saying that all sales have been in the realm of peaceful nuclear technology. "China has never exported any sensitive technology or equipment concerning reprocessing and enrichement of uranium and production of heavy water," says Chen. He also reminds critics that China’s sales of nuclear facilities to Iran are all under IAEA safeguards.
--"China Denies Supplying Nuclear Technology to Iran," Agence France Presse, 26 September 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 September 1995
At the UN General Assembly in NY, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen promises Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velyati that the sale of two 300-megawatt nuclear reactors to Iran will go through as planned, despite assuring U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher the day before that the sales would be "suspended for the time being." Qian tells an Iranian reporter, "There is no sign of any changes in the position of the Chinese Government on peaceful nuclear co-operation with the Islamic republic," and, "no country or international law could prevent peaceful nuclear co-operation."
--"Iran: China Nukes Sale to go Ahead," Courier-Mail, 30 September 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "World News in Brief: China Halts Sale," Guardian, 30 September 1995, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 October 1995
French companies GEC-Alsthom, Framatome, and Electricite de France sign a $1.93 billion contract to build two 985 megawatt nuclear reactors in China’s southern Guangdong province. The reactors will be part of the LingAo power station, located one kilometer east of the existing Daya Bay plant, which was built by the same French companies two years ago.
--Tony Walker and David Buchan, "French-led Consortium in Dollars 2bn Chinese Nuclear Power Deal," Financial Times, 26 October 1995, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Crothall G, "France in $2b Nuclear Power Deal," Courier-Mail, 27 October 1995, p. 30, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 November 1995
A Chinese government-issued document harshly criticizes the other nuclear powers for their arms control policies. According to the statement issued by state-run news agency Xinhua, the United States, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom "on the one hand, vie with one another in dumping their advanced weapons on the international market, even using weapons transfers as a means to interfere in other nations’ domestic affairs. On the other hand, they resort to discriminative anti-proliferation and arms control measures, directing the spearhead of arms control at the developing countries."
--Patrick E. Tyler, "China Rebukes Four Other Nuclear Powers on Arms Control," New York Times, 17 November 1995, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 November 1995
Director of China’s National Nuclear Corporation Jiang Xinxiong announces plans to strengthen nuclear cooperation with Indonesia, starting with his country’s purchase of Indonesian radio-isotopes. During a visit to a nuclear reactor in West Java, Jiang says, "Nuclear scientists of the two countries have exchanged visits, which are expected to promote and expand the existing co-operation." China’s quest for assistance from nuclear power capable countries is fueled by rapidly rising energy demands, especially in the south, and limited coal supplies in the north.
--"China and Indonesia Hope for Closer Nuclear Relationship," Agence France Presse, 29 November 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 November 1995
U.S. Westinghouse Electric and China Research Institute for Nuclear Service Operation agree to set up a joint venture called the Wuhan Huixin Engineering Technology Co. Ltd., which will be dedicated to enhancing safety and providing maintenance to civilian nuclear power plants. China will provide 52% of the $5.2 million investment required for the project.
--"Westinghouse in China Venture - Contracts and Ventures," Financial Times, 29 November 1995, p. 5, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Westinghouse Sets Up Nuclear-Equipment Venture in China," Agence France Presse, 28 November 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 December 1995
China agrees "in principle" but refuses to sign a document in support of the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty. The Treaty, signed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Burma during the ASEAN summit meeting in Bangkok, creates the largest NWFZ in the world. The treaty forbids any "possession, manufacture and acquisition" of nuclear weapons in any of the above-mentioned territories, which would include nuclear testing. The NWFZ Treaty is seen as a protest against French and Chinese nuclear tests in the region and an assertion of independence of ASEAN from the nuclear powers.
--Ruriko Hatano, "ASEAN Endorses Nuclear-Free Zone Draft Treaty," Daily Yomiuri, 26 November 1995, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Tony Gillotte, "'No Nukes in Our Backyard' Stance By Southeast Asia Riles US, China," Christian Science Monitor, 26 December 1995, p. 7, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Keith B. Richburg, "Southeast Asia’s Leaders Vote for Nuclear-Free Zone; 10 Nations Take Defiant, Symbolic Stand," Washington Post, 16 December 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Supports S.E. Asia Nuke-Free Zone ‘In Principle’," Japan Economic Newswire, 7 December 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 December 1995
Chinese Prime Minister Li Peng reiterates China’s promise to stop nuclear testing after a global ban on nuclear testing is drafted and signed by all nuclear powers. "China hopes to see the CTBT signed by the end of 1996," Li tells Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono during a meeting in Beijing. In separate talks with U.S. officials, however, China insists that the treaty allow for "peaceful" nuclear blasts.
--Yomiuri Shimbun, "Li: China May End Nuclear Tests in '96," Daily Yomiuri, 20 December 1995, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. Hopes to Conclude Nuclear Test Ban Treaty by April," Japan Economic Newswire, 13 December 1995, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 January 1996
Russia’s atomic energy minister Viktor Mikhailov announces $2 billion deal to help China develop civilian nuclear power plants. "It is a very important agreement, setting guidelines for bilateral cooperation in the field of converting the nuclear arms complex," Mikhailov tells Interfax news agency.
--"Russia, China to Sign Nuclear Energy Pact," Associated Press, 6 January 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 January 1996
Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Chen Jian announces that China will not sell two nuclear reactors to Iran. "On these specific cases, the implementation of the agreements between China and Iran on nuclear cooperation has ceased," Chen says. However, China retains its right to cooperation with Iran on nuclear energy for civilian purposes. The U.S. has pressured China to cancel the sales because of suspicion that the reactors will be used by Iran to make nuclear weapons.
--"China Says Deals to Sell Iran Nuclear Reactors Scrapped," Associated Press, 9 January 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 January 1996
Despite U.S. objections, Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Tian Zengpei visits Iran to discuss peaceful nuclear cooperation and the sale of two 300-megawatt nuclear reactors that China hopes to conduct with IAEA backing.
--"News: China Wants to Help Iran Build Nuclear Power Stations," FT Energy Newsletters, 22 January 1996, p. 23, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 February 1996
Chinese delegates negotiating the terms of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in Geneva push for exemptions for "peaceful nuclear explosions" to be written into the language of the treaty. Critics, including Professor Andrew Mack of the Australian National University in Canberra, are suspicious of China’s motives. "The idea of a peaceful nuclear explosion is an absolute nonsense," says Mack. "My guess is the Chinese armed forces want to use it as a cover for continued testing."
--Michael Richardson, "China seeks exemptions to stall nuclear test-ban implementation," Australian, 2 February 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 February 1996
A CIA report alleges that China has sold uranium enrichment technology to Pakistan for use in the country’s nuclear weapons program. If substantiated, the sale would constitute a violation of the U.S. Arms Export Control Act, which forbids "transfers to a non-nuclear weapon state any design information or component" of nuclear weapons, and require the U.S. to cancel billion-dollar trade deals with China. Last year, the CIA reported that China sold 5,000 ring magnets, used in nuclear weapons manufacturing, to the A.Q. Khan Research Laboratory in Kahuta, Pakistan.
--Jeffrey Smith, "China’s Nuclear Sale to Pakistan Puts Clinton on Spot," Guardian, 8 February 1996, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Transfer of Nuclear Weapons Know-How to Pakistan Under Review," Armed Forces Newswire Service, 5 February 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 February 1996
At the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Chinese Ambassador Sha Zukang responds to U.S. criticism of China’s nuclear testing and nuclear cooperation with Pakistan by saying, "Today the country that possesses the biggest and most advanced nuclear arsenals is precisely the United States," and "for this reason, we believe that the United States is not qualified to lecture China on the very limited amount of nuclear weapons that China possesses for its self-defen[s]e."
--"China in Feisty Mood, Slams U.S. on 4 Issues," Record, 9 February 1996, p. A6, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 February 1996
Pakistani Foreign Minister Assef Ahmad Ali calls U.S. allegations that China sold 5,000 ring magnets to Pakistan for the manufacture of nuclear weapons "entirely speculative" and lacking truth. Of Sino-Pakistan relations, Ali says, "there’s nothing that should be of concern to the government of the U.S.A."
--"Chinese Nuclear Parts Deal ‘Flatly Denied’ by Pakistani," Washington Post, 10 February 1996, p. 18, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 February 1996
U.S. White House officials ask China to discontinue selling ring magnets to Pakistan. Ring magnets are used in centrifuges for the enrichment of uranium necessary to build nuclear weapons. The Clinton Administration implies that sanctions placed on China for similar transfers last year could be lifted if China cancels future nuclear technology transfers to Pakistan.
--R. Jeffrey Smith and Ann Devroy, "U.S. Asks China to End Shipments; Nuclear Exchange With Pakistan at Issue," Washington Post, 28 February 1996, p. A23, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 March 1996
The U.S. decides to suspend $10 billion in specialized loans to China over the next 30 days while allegations of Chinese nuclear technology transfers to Pakistan are investigated. Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Shen Guofang says of the action, "We regret the move. We believe it is unwise."
--Tony Walker, "China Irked by US Loan Curb," Financial Times, 1 March 1996, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 March 1996
Chinese Premiere Li Peng reminds his Japanese counterpart that China has pledged to stop nuclear testing as soon as the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is drafted and signed by all nuclear powers. Li tells Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, "If this treaty is concluded, China will stop nuclear tests."
--"China Reiterates Plans to Halt Nuclear Testing," Agence France Presse, 02 March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 March 1996
According to U.S. State Department official Winston Lord, lower-level Chinese officials have threatened to "rain nuclear bombs on Los Angeles" if the U.S. interferes in a military standoff between Taiwan and China. The Chinese military is currently conducting war drills on islands off of the southeastern Fujian Province near Taiwan. Lord labels China’s threat against the U.S. "unhelpful-type rhetoric" and "not official."
--"US Plays Down Chinese Threats Nuclear Attack Warning; ‘Unhelpful Rhetoric’," Advertiser, 19 March 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 March 1996
The Clinton Administration sends senior State Department official Robert Einhorn to Beijing to meet with Chinese nuclear scientists and counterparts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss ways to improve China’s nonproliferation record. "The purpose of this visit is to provide information to the Chinese on US export control policy and practice. It is our hope that we can work with the Chinese to help strengthen China’s export control system," says Einhorn. Though Einhorn arrived in Beijing on Monday, 18 May, the intended meetings have not yet been scheduled or taken place.
--"US Nuclear Official Still Arranging Meetings With Beijing Officials," Agence France Presse, 21 May 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 April 1996
Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Shen Guofang warns the U.S. that imposing sanctions on China for ring magnet sales to Pakistan "is not a wise choice." Shen elaborates: "China is a responsible state. We never have and never will transfer any equipment or technology that could be used for the production of nuclear weapons to any country." Shen implies that the move could jeopardize Sino-U.S. relations, saying "any sanctions imposed by the United States based on rumours is ill-advised."
--"China Warns U.S. Against Imposing Sanctions for Nuclear Technology Transfer," AFX News, 4 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 April 1996
Before signing a protocol in support of the African Nuclear Weapons Free Zone in Cairo, Egypt, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing reiterates China’s nuclear no-first strike policy, saying, "at no time and under no circumstances [will] China be the first to use nuclear weapons."
--"Chinese Official Spells Out China’s Stand on Nuclear Weapons," Xinhua General Overseas News Agency, 10 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 April 1996
Chinese nuclear scientists are scheduled to arrive in Esfahan, Iran this week to assist in the construction of a plant that will produce uranium hexafluoride gas, which can be used to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. The Chinese decision to support the building of the facility concludes "long-term discussions" between the Chinese and Iranian governments.
--"China Assisting Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Program," Armed Forces Newswire Service, 18 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 April 1996
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shen Guofang issues a statement explaining why China would like to reserve the right to conduct "peaceful nuclear explosions" in the future. Referring to the global ban on nuclear testing currently under negotiations, Shen says, "We believe nuclear explosions are one of the ways mankind makes peaceful use of nuclear energy," therefore "the door to peaceful nuclear explosions should not be closed, at least not now."
--"Chinese Reject Ban as Yeltsin En Route," Moscow Times, 24 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 April 1996
China does not send delegates to a summit meeting in Moscow where Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States agree to sign a global ban on nuclear testing. Of China’s absence, Russian President Boris Yeltsin says, "We all agreed that we must sign the treaty this year to ban all nuclear tests, but not all the nuclear weapons states were there." Yeltsin indicates that it will take "some work" to get China on board. U.S. President Bill Clinton says the "biggest issue" facing the ban at this time is "to persuade the Chinese to adopt this."
--"Russia and US Urge China to Adopt Nuclear Test Ban," Agence France Presse, 21 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 April 1996
Chinese participants to CTBT negotiations argue that "peaceful nuclear explosions" might be necessary in the future to combat the "asteroid threat," meaning that nuclear weapons could play a role in deflecting or destroying giant asteroids that scientists predict might collide with the Earth in the next 300,000 years. Futhermore, Chinese officials maintain that peaceful nuclear blasts might also prove useful in the creation of mines, irrigation tunnels, reservoirs, and underground storage spaces for oil. China’s insistence on allowing for peaceful nuclear testing is met with skepticism by U.S. and European delegates to CTBT negotiations.
--Patrick E. Tyler, "Chinese Seek Atom Option to Fend Off Asteroids," New York Times, 27 April 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 May 1996
U.S. State Department official Nicholas Burns announces the Clinton Administration’s decision not to place sanctions on China for nuclear technology sales to Pakistan. According to Burns, the decision against sanctions was reached after Chinese officials admitted that Chinese Nuclear Energy Industry Co. had transferred $70,000 in ring magnets to Pakistan without government permission and that measures would be taken to stop such transfers in the future.
--"China Toes Nuclear Line," Sunday Mail, 12 May 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Barry Schweid, "No Sanctions for China on Pakistan Deal; U.S. Takes Beijing’s Word," Chicago Sun-Times, 11 May 1996, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

13 May 1996
During CTBT negotiations in Geneva, Chinese ambassador Sha Zukang expresses willingness to compromise on the issue of peaceful nuclear tests. "China is prepared to show a reasonable degree of flexibility on the peaceful nuclear explosion issue," says Sha, and "we expect other countries to reciprocate." When asked if China plans to conduct additional nuclear tests, Sha responds, "I do not rule out the possibility. China has never declared a moratorium (on nuclear testing). We may have a few more testings."
--"China Ready for CTBT Compromises, Official Says," Japan Economic Newswire, 14 May 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 May 1996
Chinese military officer, Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Xiong Guangkai, stresses that the onus falls on the larger nuclear powers to take the lead on disarmament and the ceasing of nuclear testing. At a seminar at the Centre for Strategic Studies in Wellington, Xiong says, "China advocates the complete destruction of nuclear weapons, but since the reality is that there are five nuclear powers, we think it is quite reasonable to ask first the super-nuclear powers to take the first step. Our nuclear arsenal is small and completely defensive."
--"China Will Adhere to Test Ban Says General," Dominion, 17 May 1996, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 May 1996
The Texas Thermonuclear Fusion Research Centre and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announce plans to cooperate on building a nuclear fusion laboratory of unprecedented size in the Chinese city of Hefei in Anhui Province. The facility, called the HT-7U Super Conductive Tokamak Control Experimental Facility is expected to be completed by the year 2000 and will be used for conducting experiments on controlling fusion for the generation of nuclear power. According to CAS director Wan Yuanxi, construction will begin as soon as "final approval from the relevant authorities" is received.
--"China, US to Build World’s Largest Nuclear Fusion Laboratory," Agence France Presse, 22 May 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Nuclear Fusion Plan Yet to be Approved: CAS Scientist," Xinhua General Overseas News Agency, 23 May 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

7 June 1996
Chinese Ambassador to the UN Disarmament Conference in Geneva Sha Zukang announces that China is ready to compromise on its position that the CTBT permit "peaceful nuclear explosions" as long as other nuclear powers agree to consider the matter in treaty review conferences. Describing the shift in position as a "major concession" and a "major move of flexibility by the Chinese Government," Sha says, "the Chinese delegation is now ready to go along with a temporary ban on (peaceful explosions)."
--"10-year Test Ban Proposal Put Forward," South China Morning Post, 7 June 1996, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

8 June 1996
China conducts two simultaneous nuclear explosions of 20-80 kilotons at its Lop Nur testing ground in Western China. Seismological centers in Japan and Australia record a combined blast of 5.7 on the Richter scale. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announces plans to conduct one more test "to ensure the safety of its nuclear weapons" before signing a treaty banning nuclear testing in October. Western intelligence suspects China of attempting to master technology for the miniaturization of nuclear warheads before agreeing to the global ban.
--"China Sets Off Nuclear Bomb," Sunday Mail, 9 June 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Yomiuri Shimbun, "China Set Off 2 N-Devices at Once During Latest Test," Daily Yomiuri, 13 June 1996, p. 8, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Only One More Test, says China," Advertiser, 10 June 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Teresa Poole, "China to End Nuclear Tests," Independent, 9 June 1996, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 June 1996
China’s latest nuclear tests are met with international condemnation. Greenpeace demonstrates outside the Chinese embassy in Seoul, Korea and announces plans to sail a protest ship into Shanghai harbor. Among other world leaders, Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto says he is "very disappointed" by China’s nuclear testing and that he hopes for "no more tests." The White House issues a statement calling the tests "deeply regrettable" and demands that China "refrain from further tests." Australian Prime Minister John Howard calls China’s behavior "particularly regrettable." Germany’s Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel calls nuclear testing "a relic of the Cold War era that has now lost any justification." President of a Japanese anti-nuclear group Sakae Ito says, "Conducting tests itself shows the nation’s intention to use nuclear weapons, and I cannot forgive it."
--"N-Tests Protest," Australian, 11 June 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Teresa Poole, "Greenpeace Challenges China on Nuclear Test," Independent, 10 June 1996, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China N-Test Incites Anger as World Ban Draws Closer," Australian, 10 June 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Outrage Over China’s Blast," Courier Mail, 10 June 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 July 1996
China conducts its 45th and supposed last nuclear test. The Australian Geological Survey Organization records a shock of 4.3 on the Richter scale generating from the Lop Nor testing ground in Xinjiang Province; the blast is estimated to have been between 1-5 kilotons. After declaring the test "successful," Beijing issues a statement saying, "The Chinese government solemnly declares it will start a moratorium on nuclear testing from July 30, 1996. Such an important decision by China is not only a response to the appeal of the vast number of non-nuclear weapon states, but also a concrete action to promote nuclear disarmament."
--Gabrielle Chan, "Downer Condemns Chinese N-Test on Moratorium Eve," Australian, 30 July 1996, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Renee Schoof, "China Tests its ‘Last N-Bomb’," Daily Telegraph, 30 July 1996, p. 20, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 July 1996
One day after exploding its so-called "final" nuclear test, China rejects the latest draft of the CTBT currently under negotiations in Geneva. Chinese ambassador Sha Zukang states that the intrusive inspections of nuclear facilities as they are currently written into the treaty could pose a security threat to China. India also rejects the treaty on the grounds that it does not address nuclear disarmament and that the treaty must be ratified before entering into force. Proponents of the treaty fear that it might not be ready for signature in September at the UN General Assembly meeting in Manhattan, as was originally planned.
--Nicholas Doughty, "Chinese Object to Details of New Treaty in Geneva, as Anger Mounts Over 'Final' Test; Beijing Makes Nuclear Protest," Herald, 30 July 1996, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Teresa Poole, "China’s Last Explosion Ends Nuclear Tests; Ban on The Bomb: World Relief as Peking Pledges to Honour Moratorium, but Hurdles Remain Before a Treaty Can be Signed," Independent, 30 July 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

7 August 1996
Chinese ambassador to CTBT negotiations at the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva Sha Zukang agrees to a U.S. proposal in which 30 out of 51 executive committee member countries must vote in favor of international challenge inspections in order for the inspections to take place, instead of the simple majority required by past drafts. China also agrees to put pressure on fellow treaty hold-out, Pakistan, to sign the global ban on nuclear testing.
--Jacques Boyer, "US, China Agree to Get Around Indian Opposition to CTBT," Agence France Presse, 9 August 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Accepts Draft Nuclear Test Ban Treaty: Sources," AFX News, 7 August 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 September 1996
After three years of operating on a trial basis, China’s National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) declares that the Daya Bay power station in southeast Guangdong province near Hong Kong may begin operating at full capacity. The Daya Bay plant is the first Chinese nuclear power plant to begin formal operations.
--"China’s Daya Bay Nuclear Plant Begins Formal Operation," Agence Presse France, 9 September 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 September 1996
Chinese officials announce that China has acquired the ability to domestically build core components of nuclear power reactors. The Chinese official Xinhua News Service reports that the Chinese company Chongqing Chuanyi Co. Ltd. has now mastered the "design and manufacturing of the 'EX' section of the nuclear power process control instruments." The report claims that China has sought to master this technology because it is scarce and "developed countries prohibit the transfer of this technology to China."
--"China Claims it Has Mastered Technology for Nuclear Power Plants," Agence France Presse, 12 September 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 September 1996
Sixteen countries, including China, sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty at the United Nations in New York. Signatory countries agree henceforth not to conduct any kind of nuclear testing, including underground tests, which were permitted by the previous Partial Test Ban Treaty signed in 1963. Nuclear threshold states India and Pakistan are notable holdouts from the treaty, which cannot enter into force until all 44 nuclear capable countries have signed. U.S. President Bill Clinton calls the CTBT, "the longest sought, hardest fought prize in arms control history." The Chinese government expresses its hope that the treaty will achieve "universal adherence and unlimited duration" and calls for nuclear powers to declare no-first-strike policies and to commit not to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states and nuclear weapons free zones.
--Waldmeir, "Top Powers Sign N-Test Ban Treaty," Financial Times, 25 September 1996, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Among 1st to Sign Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty," Xinhua General Overseas News Agency, 24 September 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 October 1996
Beijing admits that Chinese entities sold sensitive nuclear technology to Pakistan, including ring magnets, a high-tech furnace, and testing equipment that can be used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons, but provides evidence to show that the sales were conducted before a May 1995 pledge not to do so. U.S. officials say they "are satisfied, without just taking their word for it, that the Chinese are making a real effort to comply with their commitment in May." The Clinton administration is also satisfied by China’s efforts to investigate the matter.
--R. Jeffrey Smith, "China Sold Nuclear Items Before Vow; U.S. Officials Say Equipment Shipment to Pakistan Passes Muster," Washington Post, 10 October, p. A28, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "A US-Chinese Nuclear Coverup," Boston Globe, 15 October 1996, p. A14, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 October 1996
Official Chinese news sources declare that China has "mastered" the technology for the safe disposal of nuclear waste and is planning the construction of four sites for that purpose in the near future.
--"China to Set Up Four Radioactive Waste Dumps: Report," Agence France Presse, 15 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 October 1996
Jian Xinxiong, head of China’s State Atomic Energy Authority, and Boubakeur Benbouzid, Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, sign an agreement for future cooperation in the "peaceful utili[z]ation of nuclear technology." The Chinese fell under international criticism several years ago for aiding Algeria in the building of its 15-megawatt El Salam heavy water reactor, though the reactor is open to IAEA inspections.
--"China, Algeria Sign Agreement on Nuclear Technology," Agence France Presse, 18 October 1996, 18 October 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 October 1996
U.S. and Chinese counterparts meet in Washington, D.C. to discuss the strengthening of Chinese nuclear export controls. The meeting is part of a wider effort to help the Chinese better control nuclear and dual-use technology transfers to countries whose nuclear facilities are not under IAEA safeguards, specifically, Pakistan.
--Kathleen Hart and Mark Hibbs, "Clinton Administration Steps up China Talks on Nuclear Exports," Nucleonics Week, 24 October 1996, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 November 1996
Sparking protests by human rights activists, anti-nuclear groups, and environmentalists, Canada agrees to sell China two 700-megawatt Candu nuclear reactors for a total of $4.5 billion. China agrees to place the reactors under IAEA safeguards.
--"News: Canada Signs Deal With China to Build Reactors," FT Energy Newsletters, 1 November 1996, p. 31, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Candu Sale Called Irresponsible ," Canadian Press Newswire, 6 November 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Environmentalists Slam Canada’s Sale of Nuclear Reactors to China," Agence France Presse, 27 November 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 November 1996
At an Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting at Subic Bay in the Philippines, US Assistant Secretary of State Winston Lord proposes an agreement with the Chinese not to target each other with nuclear weapons. The Chinese reject the proposal, insisting that the deal be linked to a no-first-strike agreement. "We would favour a detargeting agreement with the Chinese," says Lord. Unfortunately, "[t]he Chinese prefer to link it with a no first-use condition, which we cannot agree to." Lord hopes that Washington and Beijing will "keep talking" on the subject.
--"Nuclear Deal Fails Over No-First-Use Condition," Australian, 26 November 1996, p. 7, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 November 1996
Responding to Indian allegations that China has supplied nuclear weapons technology to Pakistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Shen Guofang says, "China did not, does not and will not sell any nuclear weapon to any regional country," and "I don’t believe it is in the interest of China to sell advanced weapons to its neighbours." Attempting to shift attention to other nuclear powers, Shen says, "Actually China does not own any such advanced or technologically complicated weapons and will not supply them to any country. It’s really such countries in the West."
--Suzanne Goldenberg, "China Denies Selling Nuclear Arms Technology to Pakistan," Guardian, p. 15, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 December 1996
During a visit to Islamabad, Chinese president Jiang Zemin promises to supply Pakistan with a second nuclear reactor in addition to the 300-megawatt plant that is being built by the Chinese in Chashma, Pakistan. U.S. Department of State representative Nicholas Burns criticizes China’s decision, saying that "any kind of nuclear trade or nuclear cooperation, even with safeguarded facilities in Pakistan" goes against "long-standing (US) policy." Though Pakistan is not a member of the NPT, the Chinese foreign ministry has announced that the sale has been authorized by the IAEA.
--"US Condemns Chinese, Pakistan Nuclear Pact," Australian, 4 December 1996, p. 8, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Pakistan to Get 2nd Nuclear Plant," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 6 December 1996, p. A-4, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Tariq Butt, "China to Build Second N-Power Plant in Pakistan," Moneyclips, 6 December 1996, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 December 1996
Chinese government officials respond favorably to U.S. requests that they not sell a uranium hexafluoride conversion plant to Iran. Uranium hexafluoride can be used to enrich uranium for the manufacture nuclear weapons. In exchange for the cancelled sale, the Chinese hope to expand nuclear energy trade with the U.S. A Clinton administration representative says, "The Chinese have told us that based on their expectation that we would be able to build on our nuclear cooperation program, they will not execute this contract [with Iran]."
--Jonathan S. Landay, "China to Halt Nuclear Deal with Iran, US Officials Say," Christian Science Monitor, 19 December 1996, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.