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US spells out its China policy

C K Arorain Washington

Amid its criticism over the reported theft of US nuclear weapons secrets by China, the Bill Clinton administration has spelt out the scope of its policy towards the Communist state, saying ''we try to work with China to prevent the development of dangerous occurrences around the world,'' including on the India-Pakistan front on nuclear non-proliferation.

Other issues, in this context, are China's ballistic missile sales or technology sales and stopping the North Korean nuclear programme.

Disclosing this, state department spokesman James Rubin said, ''Those are things that affect the national security interest of the American people. We believe the best way to achieve those objectives vis-a-vis China is to work with them on it and not to isolate China.''

He made these observations in reply to a question about the Congressional criticism following reports of theft of US nuclear secrets by the Chinese and whether it would put an extra strain on America's relations with Beijing.

Rubin said, ''Let me say on that subject that we have no illusions about China. China, like many other countries, seeks to acquire sensitive information and technology for military uses by many means. That is why we established strong measures to protect classified information and prevent acquisition of sensitive technology and we prosecute those who violate our laws.''

''In the case of China, we have extremely strict policies. We do not authorise any arms sales to China or export of dual-use technology for military uses. We also limit the export of dual-use technology to China for civilian uses to minimise the risk of military diversion,'' he added.

''The Chinese will make certain statements, as they did, but we will go about our business of protecting our information and technology, and that's what we have to do.''

Asked whether the Chinese or anybody else appeared to have stolen American technology used in the miniaturisation of nuclear weapons, he said, ''I believe that's a matter under investigation and has been stated so by the White House.''

The state department spokesman also clarified about the nature of US relationship with China. ''I don't think we have a partnership. We said we're seeking to develop a strategic partnership. We do engage with the Chinese through a variety of channels and a variety of means, and will continue to do so.''

Meanwhile, the Clinton administration yesterday fired a Chinese-American computer scientist suspected of stealing nuclear secrets from Los Alamos National Laboratory and leaking the sensitive material to Beijing.

He is strongly suspected of relaying to China information that helped Beijing develop miniaturised bombs that closely resemble the W-88, the United States' most advanced miniature warhead.

UNI

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