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Updated May 2008
Nuclear Chronology
2005-2007
April 2005
The Port of Shanghai becomes the 36th port under Container Security Initiative (CSI) guidelines. This is a result of the agreement reached between President George W. Bush and then-President Jiang Zemin at summit on October 25, 2002. The objective of the CSI is to protect the shipment of sensitive maritime cargo from terrorist activities through non-intrusive inspection methods.
— "Maritime and Port Security: Chinese Port of Shanghai Joins U.S. Container Security Initiative; Argentina and Brazil to Follow Suit," Asian Export Control Observer, 8 Issue 7, April/ May 2005, <http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/observer/asian/pdfs/aeco_0504.pdf>
11 March 2005
At the U.S. - China Economic and Security Review Commission hearing, assistant secretary of state for arms control, Stephen Rademaker, complains that China's "unacceptable proliferant activity continues," and that China needs to address the enforcement of its nonproliferation commitments. The "proliferant activity" Rademaker is referring to is the alleged continued nuclear cooperation between Chinese nuclear industry and entities in Iran and Pakistan.
— "China Must Enforce Its Nonproliferation Policies, Rademaker Says," 11 March 2005, in <http://usinfo.state.gov/eap/Archive/2005/Mar/14-967898.html>
11 April 2005
During a visit to Pakistan, Premier Wen Jiabao agrees to supply Pakistan with two 300 MW nuclear reactors. This agreement is in addition to China's previous commitment to supply two reactors at Chashma. According to Henry Hyde of the US Senate International Relations Committee, these transactions pose an issue considering that China is now a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and that Pakistan does not allow intrusive international inspections on its nuclear facilities.
— Farhan Bokhari, "China and Pakistan in Deal on Reactors," Financial Times, 11 April 2005, <http://search.ft.com/nonFtArticle?id=050411000879>. Scott Jones, "China Reforms Its Strategic Exports Control Regime," Jane's Intelligence Review, 1 April 2005.
4 May 2005
At the 2005 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, Chinese ambassador Zhang Yang expresses China's support for the NPT. He suggests that: "Nuclear disarmament, nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy, must be promoted in a comprehensive and balanced manner."
— "China Calls for Promoting Goals of Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty," BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 4 May 2005, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 May 2005
Beijing Zhongguo Wang, an official PRC publication, puts forth a complete historical account outlining China's nonproliferation policy in "China's Contribution to Nuclear Disarmament."
— "Zhongguo Wang on China's Contribution to Nuclear Disarmament, Nonproliferation," Beijing Zhongguo Wang, 12 May 2005, OSC Document CPP20050513000122.
18 May 2005
At the2005 NPT Review Conference, Chinese ambassador to the UN in New York, Hu Xiaodi, urges nuclear weapons states to adopt policies granting security assurances to non-nuclear weapons states.
— Liu Libin, "PRC Disarmament Ambassador Urges Nuclear States to Provide Security Assurances at UN," Xinhua News Agency, 18 May 2005, in "Chinese Representative Urges Nuclear-Weapon Nations to Provide Security Assurances to Non-Nuclear-Weapon Nations," OSC Document CPP20050519000016.
23 June 2005
At a plenary meeting of the Conference of Disarmament, Chinese ambassador Hu Xiaodi states China's support to prevent an arms race in space. He also states that missile defense systems undermine the efforts of the nuclear disarmament.
— "China Seeks to Advance International Nuclear Disarmament Process – Envoy," Xinhua News Agency, 23 June 2005, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
15 July 2005
In a press briefing with foreign journalists, Chinese Major-General Zhu Chenghu - dean of the National Defense University - states that China retains a nuclear option to retaliate to potential U.S. intervention in Taiwan. He was quoted saying "If the Americans draw their missiles and position-guided ammunition into the target zone on China's territory, I think we will have to respond with nuclear weapons." US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack criticizes Zhu's remarks noting that the remarks were "highly irresponsible," and that ''we hope that these are not the views of the Chinese government.'' Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson said Zhu's statements did not represent the Chinese government's view and that they were simply the General's personal opinions. A few days later, in an interview with a Hong Kong paper Zhu argued that his statements were taken out of context.
— Joseph Kahn, "Chinese General Threatens Use of A-Bombs if U.S. Intrudes," New York Times, 15 July, 2005, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. Joel Brinkley, "U.S. Rebukes Chinese General for His Threat of Nuclear Arms Use," New York Times, 16 July 2005, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. "PRC FM Spokesman Says Zhu Chenghu's Remarks on Nuclear Weapons 'Personal Views'," Xinhua, 15 July 2005, in OSC document CPP20050715000206. "Chinese General Says Nuclear Remarks ‘Quoted Out of Context,'" Ta Kung Pao, 17 July 2005, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 September 2005
At a news conference held by the Information Office of the State Council, Zhang Yan, Director of the Department of Arms Control at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirms China's commitment to a nuclear weapons no-first-use policy and that in any circumstance and committed unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones."
— "Chinese Official Says Policy of Not Using Nuclear Weapons First Won't Change," Xinhua News Agency, 1 September 2005, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 September 2005
The Office of the State Council issues a white paper on nonproliferation entitled "China's Endeavors of Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation." The report highlights China's involvement in disarmament and international arms control. It expresses China's firm stance against missile defense, WMD and delivery systems, and the peaceful use of outer space. Section six of the white paper elaborates on China's export controls and proposed prosecution measures upon violation of these regulations.
— "More on Chinese White Paper on Arms Control, Nonproliferation," Xinhua News Agency, 1 September 2005, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. "China's State Council Releases White Paper," International Export Control Observer, October 2005, <http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/observer/pdfs/ieco_0510e.pdf>
1 October 2005
Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui reiterates China's nonproliferation policy in a Beijing publication titled Seek Truth. He states that China's nuclear weapons have traditionally been developed solely for self-defense and that China maintains to control the production of these weapons systems.
— Zhang Yesui, "International Security Situation, China's Policy on Arms Control, Disarmament, Nonproliferation," Beijing Qiushi, 1 October 2005, in "Qiushi Article on International Security Situation, China's Arms Control Policy," OSC Document CPP20060801701006.
5 February 2006
Zhang Zhijun, deputy head of the CCP's International Liaison Department, gave a speech entitled "China's Peaceful Development and the World." In the speech, he pledges that China will continue peaceful nuclear development and is in favor of complete prohibition of nuclear weapons.
— "China Committed to Peaceful Development – Party Official," Xinhua News Agency, 5 February 2006, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
28 February 2006
The Chinese government agrees to sell two 325 MWe reactors to Pakistan. This transaction occurred after a meeting with Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf where the Chinese government pledged to extend cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Under NSG guidelines China is prohibited from transferring nuclear technology to non-NSG member states. In 2005 the United States established an arrangement with India, who is also not a member of the NSG, to transfer civilian use nuclear technology.
— "China and Pakistan Agree to More Nuclear Cooperation; NSG Exemption Needed but Unlikely," 28 February 2008, International Export Control Observer, <http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/observer/pdfs/ieco_0604e.pdf>
4 April 2006
Representatives from the Chinese and Australian governments sign an agreement in Canberra which allows Australian companies to supply nuclear fuel to China. Under the agreement Australia will export 20,000 tons of irradiated uranium to China per annum as well as export 40 to 50 nuclear reactors over the course of the next 20 years. The Australian Conservation Foundation criticizes the Australian government claiming that the nuclear deal lacks proper safeguards. Yet, according to the Australian Safeguards and Nonproliferation Office, China has "ceased production of fissile material for nuclear weapons some time ago."
— Tim Johnson, "China, Australia Sign ‘Sensitive' Nuclear Fuel Deal: Deal Comes as U.S. Urges Containment of a Rising China," Knight Ridder Newspapers, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. Michelle Wiese Bockmann, "No Way to Check Use of Uranium in China," The Australian, 6 October 2006, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 May 2006
As mandated by the U.S. Congress, the Department of Defense issues its annual "Report on the Military Power of the People's Republic of China" which details China's military buildup. It poses the issue that as China's military modernizes its no-first-use doctrine may also be reinterpreted. Peter W. Rodman, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, comments on China's no-first-use nuclear doctrine stating "We take them at their word that they adhere to that doctrine." Yet, he states, "as their capabilities change they may be thinking about options that they didn't have before."
— Ann Scott Tyson, "Pentagon Finds China Fortifying Its Long-Range Military Arsenal," Washington Post, May 24, 2006, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
26 October 2006
During a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao states that the Chinese government has arrested two individuals who were caught trafficking "dangerous weapons." This statement was made in response to the South Korean Chosun Ilbo report that claimed the Chinese police had arrested two Koreans smuggling 970 grams of enriched uranium. It has yet to be determined whether the uranium was from Russia or the DPRK.
— "PRC FM Spokesman Confirms Illegal Weapons Arrests, No Mention of Uranium," Agence France Press, 26 October 2006, in OSC Document CPP20061026150013.
1 December 2006
Premier Wen Jiabao signs a new set of regulations on nuclear export controls as a revision to the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control Over Nuclear Materials. These new rules extend the authority of the Ministry of Commerce and COSTIND, government bodies that oversees sensitive exports and grant licenses. The revised regulations require end-user governments to obtain official consent if it intends to enrich uranium above 20 percent.
— "China Issues Revised Regulations on Nuclear Export Controls," Xinhua New Agency, December 1, 2006, <http://www.china.org.cn/>
29 December 2006
The Information Office of the State Council issues China's National Defense in 2006 describing Chinese nuclear strategy. The white paper affirms China's no-first-use doctrine and claims that its nuclear weapons are solely for a self-defense counter-attack. According to the white paper "Its fundamental goal is to deter other countries from using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against China."
— Bai Ruixue, "Interpreting the National Defense White Paper: China Makes Known Its Nuclear Strategy for the First Time," Xinhua Domestic Service, 29 December 2006, in "PRC Makes Known Its Nuclear Strategy for First Time in 2006 Defense White Paper," OSC Document CPP20061229063008. "China pursues "self-defensive" nuclear weapons strategy - white paper," BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 29 December 2006, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
2 January 2007
The China Association for Research and Technology's bi-monthly periodical Binggong Xuebao publishes an article discussing the research that Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology is currently conducting on the penetration of rock materials. The Institute bases its experimentation on research of soil and concrete penetration using limestone, tuff, sandstone and decayed granite. This technology can be used to perform nuclear weapons analysis for the purpose of predicting the depth of penetration in high-strength rock.
— Zhang Dezhi and Lin Junde, "PRC S&T: An Empirical Equation for Penetration Into High-Strength Rock," Beijing Binggong Xuebao, 2 January 2007, in OSC Document CPP20071025572006.
26 January 2007
China amends its export control regulations on nuclear-related dual use goods in an effort to strengthen its nonproliferation efforts. This is the first revision to the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-use Nuclear Goods and the Related Technologies since their initial implementation in 1997. Revisions address a wide array of issues such as uranium enrichment, plutonium, nuclear terrorism and intangible technology transfers (ITT). The regulations are amended to meet China's obligations under the Nuclear Suppliers Group and UN Resolution 1540.
— "China Strengthens Nuclear-Related Export Control Regulations," International Export Control Observer, 26 January 2007, in <http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/observer/pdfs/ieco_10e.pdf>.
2 May 2007
Zhang Yan, director general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Department of Arms Control, delivers China's official stance on nuclear proliferation at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2010 NPT Conference. Zhang states that China supports the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. China proposes that the international community follow the principles of the UN Charter that nonproliferation issues are addressed through negotiations and "broad consultation."
— "Chinese Official Expounds China's Stance on Nuclear Proliferation," Xinhua News Agency, 2 May 2007, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
3 May 2007
China's first nuclear city base in Qinghai Province opens to the public. An official from Haibei Tibet, Zuo Xumin, explains that the underground research headquarters of nuclear weapons production and the birthplace of China's first atomic bomb was built in 1958 and covers an area of 1,100 square kilometers.
— "China's First Nuclear Weapons Research Base Opens To Visitors," Xinhua News Agency, 3 May 2007, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
26 May 2007
According to the U.S. Department of Defense 2007 annual report to Congress on China's military modernization, China is improving its nuclear strike capabilities and developing its nuclear arsenal. The report states that "China is pursuing long-term comprehensive transformation of its military forces to improve its capabilities for power-projection, anti-access and area denial." It also points out that "China's actions in certain areas increasingly appear inconsistent with its declaratory policies."
— Demetri Sevastopulo, "Beijing Upgrading Its Nuclear Arsenal, Says Pentagon," Financial Times, 26 May 2007, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
14 June 2007
At the House Armed Services Committee, deputy undersecretary of defense for Asia Richard Lawless expresses his concern with U.S.-China military relations. He states "In the bilateral military relationship, we are troubled by what appears to be an unwillingness to reciprocate the openness and transparency we have shown to visiting [Chinese military] representatives." The concern arises from a pledge that President Hu Jintao made previously to hold dialogue concerning nuclear issues. Yet, according to Lawless, the United States has been unable to schedule a meeting due to Chinese General Jing Zhiyuan's refusal to coordinate.
— Bill Gertz, "China Arms Talks, Reciprocity Stalled; U.S. Awaits Hu's Military Promises," Washington Times, 14 June 2007, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
27 August 2007
Three peasants were indicted by Guangzhou province for allegedly smuggling uranium. Some analysts express concern that this event exposes the vulnerability in China's safeguards system. The defendants claimed that they were able to access the materials through relationships with members of the military who controlled a mine in southern Yunnan province. Defendant Yang Guoliang was able to have the uranium sampled at the Chenzhou uranium mine in Hunan province.
— John Garnaut, "Chinese Breaches Spur Nuclear Fallout," The Age (Melbourne, Australia), 27 August 2007, in Lexis Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
05 December 2007
U.S. proposes nuclear dialogue with China on nuclear weapons and strategy. Pentagon Spokesman Bryan Whitman says the proposed dialogue will include "defense nuclear programs, policies, and strategy." Officers from China's Second Artillery Corps and the U.S. Strategic Command, respective units responsible for each country's nuclear arsenal, met to discuss the proposed dialogue. Leading the delegations was Eric Edelman, U.S. Deputy Secretary for policy, and Chinese Lieutenant General Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Foreign Affairs.
— Al Pessin, "US Proposes Nuclear Dialogue with China," Voice of America News, 05 November 2007, <http://voanews.com/english/2007-12-05-voa70.cfm>.
11-12 December 2007
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro, Foreign Minister Inamul Haq and Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan. According to diplomatic sources, China has already agreed to give Pakistan 300-megawatt nuclear power plants for Chashma nuclear power project-I and II, and might also give two more plants of the same capacity for phase III and IV of the Chashma power project under the memorandum of understanding already signed between the two sides. Further, China might also offer Islamabad a 300-megawatt nuclear power plant for the second phase of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant. These talks coincide with United States and India talks on civil nuclear technology.
— "China may give five more N-power plants to Pakistan," Pak Tribune, 11 December 2007, <http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.shtml?195414>.
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.
