1 January 1999
The U.S. Congress reviews classified reports alleging that Chinese visitors stole information on neutron bomb design and nuclear warhead minimization from a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory as well as other nuclear secrets from U.S. national laboratories during the 1980s. Leading representative Christopher Cox attributes the information leaks to lax security standards at U.S. nuclear sites. Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Zhu Bangzao denies the allegations of espionage, calling them "irresponsible" and accuses U.S. lawmakers of trying to "fabricate rumours out of thin air in an attempt to obstruct improvement in Sino-U.S. relations."
--John Mintz, "Atomic Labs Criticized For Security Conditions; China Reportedly Got Neutron Bomb Data," Washington Post, 1 January 1999, p. A03, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Got Secret Design Data on US Nuclear Warhead: Report," Agence France Presse, 7 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Miro Cernetig, "China Rejects Charges of Spying as 'Rumours' U.S. Report Alleging Beijing Stole Nuclear Secrets During 1980s Dismissed as 'Irresponsible'," Globe and Mail, 8 January 1999, p. A15, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 February 1999
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Gang requests that India sign crucial nonproliferation treaties. "India, instead of maintaining a so-called minimum nuclear deterrent, must accede to the Comprehensive Test ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) without delay and conditions," says Zhou. Stating that China does not consider India to be an enemy, Zhou also calls for talks to resolve the territorial dispute that China and India fought a battle over in 1962.
--"China Asks India to Sign Nuclear Ban Treaty, End Border Dispute," AFX, 7 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 March 1999
Taiwan-born American citizen Wen Ho Lee is fired from his job at Los Alamos National Laboratory as the FBI begins investigating charges that he transferred classified information on nuclear warhead miniaturization to Chinese scientists who used it in China's nuclear weapons program. Chinese scientists deny that Lee passed state secrets on to them while attending conferences in Beijing in 1986 and 1988, saying the exchanges were about "basic scientific matters" and "never touched upon the secrets of the W-88 nuclear warhead." On the contrary, a CIA official working on the Chinese espionage case says Lee achieved "total penetration" into the U.S. nuclear program. Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan says the allegations are motivated by "people who want to stop the United States from exporting normal high-technology products to China."
--Mary Dejevsky, "China Denies U.S. Nuclear 'Spy' Claim," Independent, p. 10, 8 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Renee Schoof, "China Confirms Dismissed U.S. Scientist Attended Conferences," Associated Press, 22 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; John Barry and Gregory L. Vistica, "'The Penetration Is Total'," Newsweek, 29 March 1999, p. 30, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Bob Drogin, "FBI Steps Up Probe Into Weapons Spying," Chicago Sun-Times, 30 April 1999, p. 39, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

31 March 1999
The Politburo of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party considers dividing the China National Nuclear Corporation into two distinct entities. The first will be tasked with the manufacture of nuclear fuel, the ensuring of nuclear security, and the disposal and reprocessing of nuclear waste. The second will be tasked with building and operating nuclear facilities.
--"China's CNNC to be Split in Two," Nuclear Engineering International, 31 March 1999, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

April-June 1999
Details continue to emerge on the espionage case against Wen Ho Lee, Taiwan-born American former employee of Los Alamos National Laboratories, who allegedly transferred U.S. nuclear-weapons secrets to China. Reports by the U.S. Congress and Los Alamos National Laboratories claim that in the mid-1990s, Lee passed on to Beijing classified computer files containing "legacy" codes used in the design of seven U.S. nuclear warheads, including the W-88 and the neutron bomb. A Los Alamos report concludes that attempts at stealing nuclear secrets have been ongoing and "almost certainly continue to the present." U.S. Republican Congressman Christopher Cox reports that he expects China to use the materials to mount nuclear warheads onto missiles "within the next three years." In response, Chinese officials aggressively deny the espionage. The Chinese Foreign Ministry calls Cox's allegations "absurd, without basis and laden with ulterior motives." Chinese government official Zhao Qizheng says that China does not need to steal nuclear warhead designs from the United States because the plans can be found on the Internet. "Performance data on the seven types of nuclear warheads have long been openly published in the US," says Zhao. "They are no longer secrets, so there is nothing to steal."
--Ian Brody, "Chinese Spy Shifted Key US Nuclear Data," Australian, 30 April 1999, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Close to Deploying US-Style Nuclear Warheads: Cox," Agence France Presse, 22 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Slams 'Outrageous and Absurd' US Spy Report," Agence France Presse, 26 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "US Cox Report on Nuclear Secrets Theft is 'Racial Prejudice': China," Agence France Presse, 31 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Officials to Lose Jobs in Nuclear Spy Scandal," Chicago Sun-Times, 31 May 1999, p. 17, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Atomic Secrets on the Net," Maclean's, 14 June 1999, p. 41, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; James Kynge , "Warhead 'Secrets' Available on the Net, Beijing Reveals," Financial Times, 1 June 1999, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 May 1999
In response to the May 8 accidental NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in which four Chinese citizens were killed, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhu Bangzao announces the breaking of diplomatic ties between the United States and China on the issues of nonproliferation, arms control, international security, and human rights. The Clinton Administration has called the event an "isolated tragic mistake." A PLA top leader calls the event "a manifestation of [U.S.] hegemony and of the policy of strength."
--Vladimir Fedoruk, "China Suspends Contacts with USA," TASS, 10 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ben Macintyre, "Clinton Apologises for 'Tragic Error" Caused by CIA," Times, 11 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 July 1999
China expands its defense industry into ten separate entities: China National Nuclear Corporation, China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Corporation, China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation, China Aerospace Machinery & Electronics Corporation, China Aviation Industry Corporation I, China Aviation Industry Corporation II, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, China State Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, China North Industries Group Corporation, and China South Industries Group Corporation.
--"China Restructures Defen[s]e Industry," China Business Information Network, 2 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 July 1999
China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC) is divided into two separate entities. According to CNNC president Li Dingfan, the first division of the same name is responsible for developing nuclear technology for both civilian and military purposes. The second division, called the China Nuclear Engineering-Construction Group Corporation, will specialize in reactor construction.
--"China- Corp Focuses on Nuclear Products," China Daily, 3 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 July 1999
Chinese Minister of Information Zhao Qizheng announces that China has achieved the ability to produce a neutron bomb. "China had no other choice but to continue to carry out research and development of nuclear weapons technology and improve its nuclear weapons systems, mastering in succession the neutron bomb design technology and the nuclear weapon miniaturisation technology," says Zhao. Denying claims that China stole the designs from the United States, Zhao says, "Since China has already possessed atom bomb and H-bomb technologies, it is quite logical and natural for it to master the neutron bomb technology through its own efforts over a reasonably short period of time."
--"Neutron Bomb for China," Advertiser, 16 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 July 1999
Chinese State Council spokesperson Zhao Qizheng refutes claims that Beijing stole nuclear know-how from the United States by saying that in the 1970s and 1980s, China had already "mastered neutron bomb design technology and nuclear weapon miniaturization technology in succession." An unnamed PLA insider claims that China had also developed the appropriate missiles to be able to deliver neutron bombs to targets on all continents, especially to military sites on Taiwan.
--Tsao Kuo-chung, "China Said Capable of Engaging in Any Form of Nuclear War - Hong Kong Press," Tai Yang Pao via BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 July 1999, p. A19, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China's Big Bombshell Stirs Debate," Hobart Mercury, 17 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 July 1999
China's Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan announces that China will be the first of the nuclear weapons states to sign the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ). The Treaty has already been signed by the 10 Southeast Asian nations at the December 1995 ASEAN summit meeting in Bangkok, but has been opposed by the United States due to transit concerns.
--Don Pathan, "China to Sign SE Asia Nuclear Treaty," Nation, 28 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 August 1999
Beijing Film Studio plans to release a film entitled "Birth of the Chinese A-bomb," filmed at the Lop Nur testing site in Xinjiang Province. According to the Chinese state-run Xinhua News Agency, the film will be used to refute allegations of nuclear espionage included in the Cox report and "to show how the Chinese independently developed nuclear weapons without the use of foreign technology."
--"China Commemorates its Atomic Bomb in Movie," Associated Press, 3 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 September 1999
Chinese President Jiang Zemin agrees to purchase two nuclear-powered submarines from Russia for a total of U.S. $1 billion. The subs are capable of launching nuclear-tipped missiles over 1,000 miles.
--"China to Buy Nuclear Subs from Russia, Papers Report," Ottawa Citizen, 2 September 1999, p. A10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 September 1999
Chinese Foreign Ministry representative Sun Yuxi promises that mainland China will not use nuclear weapons against Taiwan. While he reiterated that the PRC would use force to take back Taiwan should the island declare independence, Sun says, "We will not be the first to use nuclear weapons and will not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapons countries and regions, let alone against our Taiwan compatriots."
--"China Rules Out Taiwan Nuclear Strike," Toronto Star, 3 September 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 October 1999
The Chinese Foreign Ministry releases a statement calling for the United States to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which was signed in September 1996. The statement reads, "The USA is a big nuclear country that has made the most nuclear tests. America's ratification of the agreement will have a great influence on the future of the agreement..." China has also signed but not ratified the CTBT.
--"China Calls on US to Finish CTBT Ratification Process," Agence France Presse, 14 October 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 December 1999
Chinese nuclear scientist Wen Ho Lee – accused of transferring information about U.S. nuclear warhead designs to the Chinese government during his employment at Los Alamos National Laboratory – is arrested and charged on 59 accounts of "mishandling nuclear secrets." If found guilty, Lee could receive a life prison sentence.
--Kyra Phillips, Aram Roston, "Wen Ho Lee Faces 59 Counts of Compromising U.S. National Security," CNN Saturday Morning News, 11 December 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 December 1999
Leader of China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC) Li Dingfan assures media sources that China's two nuclear power plants at Qinshan and Daya Bay are protected from computer glitches that might occur during the transition to the year 2000. "If by any chance something occurs, the nuclear power plants can decrease their power or suspend their operation, and without any other mishap," says Li and, "All of China's nuclear reactors will be safe and reliable."
--"China's Nuclear Plants Could Shutdown if Y2K Problems: Official," Agence France Presse, 19 November 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 December 1999
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Sha Zukang criticizes U.S. nonproliferation policy by saying, "The purpose of non-proliferation is to enhance the universal security of all countries, and it should not become a tool for some countries to seek or maintain strategic and security advantages." Referring specifically to the United State's refusal to ratify the CTBT, Sha says, "After a treaty is concluded countries keep a vigilant eye on others to make sure they comply with the treaty. But some delay or even reject the ratification of the same treaties to serve their own purposes."
--"China Warns Arms Control Off Track, Issues Barb at US," Agence France Presse, 28 December 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 January 2000
In efforts to mitigate a nuclear arms race on the Indian subcontinent, China gives a cooler than usual welcome to Pakistan's leader Pervez Musharraf on his first visit to China since taking power. China's change of attitude stems from a recognition by Beijing officials that the close relationship between China and Pakistan threatens India and may have been a contributing factor to India's, and subsequently Pakistan's, nuclear tests in May 1998.
--James Kynge, "China Signals Cooler Line on Pakistan," Financial Times, 18 January 2000, p. 8, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 January 2000
Canada's Security Intelligence Service claims China stole technology for the Slowpoke nuclear reactor from a facility in Chalk River, Ontario during the 1960's and then transferred the technology on to Iran, Syria, Pakistan, Ghana and Nigeria. Canadian officials became suspicious when a replica of the Slowpoke reactor, which the Chinese call the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR), was discovered near Beijing. Chen Shuping, Director of Reactor Engineering at the state China Atomic Energy Institute, claims that China did not steal the reactor technology from Canada, saying, "MNSR is an achievement of Chinese scientists."
--"China Stole Nuclear Technology from Canada: Report," Agence France Presse, 24 January 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Rubbishes Report it Stole Canadian Nuclear Secrets," Agence France Presse, 31 January 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

February 2000
The U.S. CIA issues a report stating that China has provided nuclear support to both safeguarded and unsafeguarded nuclear facilities in Pakistan despite promising in May 1996 not to lend support to unsafeguarded nuclear facilities. Regarding Iran, the CIA reports that China has not engaged in new nuclear cooperation, as pledged in October 1997, but continues to provide support to Iran on a small research nuclear reactor and a zirconium production facility.
--"Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 January Through 30 June 1999," February 2000, in Federation of American Scientists (FAS), <http://www.fas.org>.

23 February 2000
As tensions rise between China and Taiwan, a Chinese government document indicates that China would be willing to use nuclear weapons against the United States in a conflict over Taiwan. The secret "Document No. 65" was produced last year by a subcommittee of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee and leaked to the German magazine, Der Spiegel. While the document mainly focuses on conventional weapons, it mentions nuclear weapons as an option.
--"Nuclear Arsenal Real Part of the Equation," Australian, 23 February 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; John Schauble, "Beijing Ups Pressure on Taiwan," Age, 22 Feburary 2000 in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Willing to Nuke U.S.," New York Post, 22 February 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

7-8 March 2000
In a two-day security dialogue between China and India, Indian participants led by Joint Secretary of Disarmament in the Ministry of External Affairs Rakesh Sood indicate that China's nuclear and missile cooperation with Pakistan is destabilizing the region and causing India to respond "in a responsible and restrained manner." The Chinese participants led by Director General of its Foreign Ministry Asian Department Zhang Jiuhuan deny providing nuclear-weapons and missile-related assistance to Pakistan, insisting that its cooperation is solely for peaceful purposes and urge India to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1172, which calls for India and Pakistan to cease their nuclear weapons programs. India defends its nuclear position based on its sovereignty.
--"India Tells China its Nuclear Cooperation with Pakistan Destabilizing Region," PTI news agency via BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 11 March 2000 in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Asks India to Renounce Nuclear Weapons as Security Talks Conclude," PTI news agency via BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 7 March 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 April to 19 May 2000
A total of 187 signatory states attend the sixth NPT Review Conference in New York City. The five official nuclear states, China, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France, issue a joint statement extending the NPT treaty indefinitely. They also commit themselves, among other things, to "complete elimination of nuclear weapons," "complete disarmament," placing fissile materials under IAEA supervision, and reaffirming the right to research, produce, and use nuclear energy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue criticizes the treaty for lacking a timetable for disarmament, a "no first use" policy, measures against the U.S. "Star Wars" defense program, and an agreement on a nuclear test ban. Zhang says, "China welcomes the final document passed by the conference, although the document fails to comprehensively reflect the reality of the current international situation, and falls short of actively pressing for a solution of resolving the factors which undermine the international strategic balance and stability and obstruct the efforts of nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament"
--"First Step to Disarmament," Scotsman, May 22, 2000 in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Statement by the Delegations of France, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America," within "Collective Statement by the UN Permanent Five Nuclear Weapon States," in Nuclear Threat Initiative, <http://www.nti.org/db/china/engdocs/p5npt00.htm>; "Pious Resolutions Won't Rid the World of the Threat of Nuclear War," Independent, 20 May 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Welcomes Progress Made at Nuclear Nonproliferation Forum," Zhonguo Xinwen She via BBC Monitoring, 23 May 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 May 2000
Zhang Yuanyuan, press spokesman for the Chinese Embassy says that China cannot make reassurances on its 1985 promise to the U.S. not to re-export U.S. nuclear technology to other countries, saying that it is not possible to differentiate between U.S. technology and Chinese technology. Critics of China's weapons-proliferation activities including Gary Milhollin, director of the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control says China's lack of assurances is troubling and is "too risky a buyer to deal with."
--Bill Gertz, "Beijing Stalls on Nuclear Promises; China Won't Agree to Re-export Ban," Washington Times, 9 May 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 June 2000
China's Director-General of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sha Zukang criticizes U.S. development of a missile shield saying that it would "upset the world strategic balance and hinder the process of international nuclear disarmament." Sha says that the missile shield "would be tantamount to a nuclear arms build up" and would affect China's arms control policy.
--"China: US Development of Missile Shield System Criticized," Xinhua News Agency via BBC Monitoring, 5 June 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 June 2000
Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Indian President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami sign a joint agreement on June 22 wherein they agree to a world free of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons, yet recognize each others' right to develop civilian nuclear, chemical, and biological technology.
--"Full Text of China-Iran Joint Communique," Xinhua News Agency via BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 24 June 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27 June 2000
According to former U.S. government export control official Stephen Bryen, a Chinese nuclear-weapons facility has diverted U.S. supercomputers for the simulation of nuclear detonations without actual underground tests. The supercomputers are also critical in warhead miniaturization for the purpose of mounting onto smaller and more mobile missiles. This is the third time that China has been accused of diverting U.S. computers for military purposes and may have an impact on U.S. President Clinton's attempt to convince Congress to relax export controls on supercomputers.
--Bill Gertz, "China Uses Computers from U.S. Illegally; Nuclear Facility Simulates Blasts," Washington Times, 27 June 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

29 June 2000
U.S. intelligence officials report to President Clinton, that China is aiding Pakistan in the development of a long-range missile that could deliver nuclear warheads by supplying specialty steels, guidance systems and technical expertise to Pakistan. Chinese experts have been seen around Pakistan's newest missile production sites and appear to be based on a Chinese design.
--David E. Sanger and Eric Schmitt, "Reports Say China is Aiding Pakistan on Missile Project," New York Times, 2 July 2000, p.1, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Denies Missile Technology Sales to Pakistan," The Pakistan Newswire, 4 July 2000 in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 July 2000
During nonproliferation talks between China and the United States, Chinese Ambassador Sha Zukang comments on the U.S. decision to build a theater missile defense system, calling the system a "direct threat to the effectiveness of China's existing limited nuclear force. China does not want to threaten any country, but it should have the right to legally protect itself. While determining the scale of its nuclear force, it cannot but consider the above-mentioned factors." Sha reiterates China's desire to prevent a nuclear arms race. These are the first nonproliferation talks between China and the United States since NATO's mistaken bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999.
--"Chinese Arms Control Head on Opposition to US Missile Defence Plan," Wen Wei Po via BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 12 July 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 July 2000
Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan visits India and meets with the Minister of External Affairs Jaswant Singh. This is the first visit to India by a Chinese minister since India's nuclear test in 1998. In regards to nuclear relations with Pakistan, Tang says Chinese cooperation is based on normal state-to-state relations and "not targeted against any third country." As a signatory of the NPT, Tang continues that China takes a "strict, serious and responsible" attitude towards nuclear weapons issues.
--"Chinese Foreign Minister Announces Five-Point Proposal for Relations with India," Xinhua News Agency via BBC Monitoring from Xinhua, 22 July 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Sino-Indian JWG To Meet Often," Hindu, 23 July 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 July 2000
Russia and China signed an agreement today in which Russia will supply China with fast-breeder reactor technology that produces plutonium for plutonium-fueled nuclear power stations. Russia is also assisting China in the building of these stations The 60 megawatts-nuclear reactor is being built near Beijing. Says Russian Atomic Energy Minister Yevgeniy Adamov, "They [China] are already now trying to create the foundation for future electricity generating capacities."
--"Russia Supplies Fast-Breeder Nuclear Reactors to China," Izvestiya via BBC Monitoring, 20 July 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China: Russia Signs Up to Build Fast-Breeder Reactor Near Beijing," Interfax news agency in Moscow via BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 18 July 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 September 2000
At an IAEA conference, Chinese representative Zhang Huazhu criticizes IAEA plans to pass binding regulations on the disposal of nuclear materials, saying, "It is not the appropriate time now to lay down binding regulations on the physical protection of nuclear materials within a country in the form of an international legal document." Zhang continues, "The Chinese delegation holds that the physical protection of nuclear materials is mainly the responsibility of governments."
--Emmanuel Serot, "China Rejects IAEA Pans for Nuclear Waste Disposal Strategy," Agence France Presse, 18 September 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

26 September 2000
In a ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and the China National Nuclear Construction Corporation transfer control of the 300-megawatt nuclear power plant that they designed and built at Chashma to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission. IAEA officials indicate that the power plant was built according to international safety standards.
--"Atomic Energy Commission Takes Over Chashma Nuclear Powerplant," Business Recorder, 27 September 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China – Pakistan Receives Nuclear Power Plant from China," China Online, 28 September 2000 in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

29 September 2000
Norman Schindler, Deputy Director of the CIA's Non-Proliferation Center, told a Congressional sub-committee that Iran is operating a clandestine nuclear-weapons program with assistance from Russia entities. Schindler pointed out China pledge in 1997 not to engage in any new nuclear cooperation with Iran but is completing its assistance on two existing nuclear power plants.
--"Iran Developing Nuclear Weapons: CIA," Times of India, 29 September 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 November 2000
In a press release, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sun Yuxi says China supports Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to cut Russian and American nuclear stockpiles. However, China and Russia jointly oppose the United State's proposal to amend the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty in order to build a National Missile Defense (NMD) system. Sun says, "As far as the US National Missile Defense is concerned if we are to protect stability of the global strategic balance, then this system shouldn't be built."
--"China Voices Agreement Over US-Russia Nuclear Missile Reductions," Agence France Presse, 14 November 2000, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

December 2000
China's sole Xia-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine Xia participated in its first naval exercise this month since it was upgrade in 1995. Analysts speculate on why the submarine, Beijing's main nuclear deterrent had remained docked for 5 years.
--"In Brief – Chinese submarine exercise," 31 January 2001, Janes Defense Weekly.

	Updated December 2007