China denies blocking India's membership in Nuclear Suppliers Group

China has pushed the discussion of participation in the non-Non-Proliferation Treaty states during the Seoul Plenary of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a Foreign Ministry official has said, refuting reports saying that China is blocking India's membership at the meeting.

"At this plenary, China once again pushed the group to discuss the issue of non-NPT states’ participation in an innovative format. It should be stressed that such a format is not only more formal, but represents a major result achieved at this annual plenary," Wang Qun, director general of the department of arms control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters.

The plenary was held in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday.

According to Wang, the NSG has hitherto not agreed to any agenda with the item on non-NPT states’ participation. And this plenary has no such item on its agenda either.

"So, there is no point of so called opposing or supporting India’s membership," he said.

Instead, the official said that China, for its part, attaches great importance to the issue of how to handle the issue of non-NPT states’ participation. Under the Argentina Chairmanship, China has worked hard to push discussions on the above issue in all aspects.

As for the eligibility of new members of the NSG, Wang emphasized the importance of NPT, as it represents the cornerstone of the entire non-proliferation regime.

"If exceptions are allowed here or there on the question of NPT, the international non-proliferation will collapse altogether," he said.

Wang also said that China understands India’s sentiment on developing nuclear energy to meet climate changes, as it is a common challenge confronting developing countries.

China stands ready to explore cooperation with India in the field of nuclear energy, so as to help India to address its nuclear energy needs, he added.