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Outside Publications by CNS StaffAssessing Chinese Nonproliferation Policy:
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| International Treaties and Negotiations | Multilateral Export Control Regimes |
| Acceded to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), March 1992 | Pledged to abide by the original 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines in February 1992 |
| Signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), January 1993; ratified CWC and joined the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as a founding member, April 1997 | Agreed in the October 1994 US-China joint statement to adhere to the MTCR and agreed to apply the concept of "inherent capability" to its missile exports |
| Participated in the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms from 1993 to 1997 | Officially joined the Zangger Committee, October 1997 |
| Indicated in the US-China joint statement of October 1994 support of the negotiation and "earliest possible achievement" of a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT) | Promulgated the Regulations on Nuclear Export Control in September 1997; and the Regulations on Export Control of Dual-Use Nuclear Goods and Related Technologies in June 1998. |
| Supported the indefinite extension of the NPT, May 1995 | Announced a series of decrees and circulars governing chemical exports: Circular on Strengthened Chemical Export Controls (August 1997); Decree No.1 of the State Petroleum and Chemical Industry Administration (June 1998). |
| Signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), September 1996 | Issued the Regulations on Export Control of Military Items in October 1997 |
| Went along with strengthened International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, 1997 (although it has yet to endorse IAEA full-scope safeguards) | US-China official talks during 1997-1998 on China's possible membership in the MTCR |
Sources: Adapted from database compiled by the East Asia Nonproliferation Program, Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
Another significant development in China's
evolution toward international nonproliferation norms over the last decade has
been the introduction of domestic export control regulations (see Table 2).
Beginning with the May 1994 Foreign Trade Law, the Chinese government has issued
a series of regulations, decrees, and circulars. Taken together, they constitute
a nascent export control system (although China has still not promulgated the
laws governing missile technology exports that it promised in November
2000).[4] In addition, there has been
institutional development indicating clearly that arms control and
nonproliferation is increasingly assuming a higher profile in the making of
China's national security policy. In April 1997, a new Department of Arms
Control and Disarmament was established within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MFA). And there has been increasing coordination among MFA, MOFTEC (Ministry of
Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation), and CAEA (China Atomic Energy Agency)
officials in implementing export control
regulations.[5]
Sources: Adapted from database compiled by the East Asia
Nonproliferation Program, Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
Table 2. Evolution of China's Export Control System in the 1990s
SECTORS
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
General
Chemical & Dual-Use
(Note: These regulations have expanded the coverage of China's chemical export controls
to include dual-use chemicals covered by the Australia Group)
Nuclear & Dual-Use
(Note: The control list included in the 1997 regulations is identical to that used by
the Nuclear Suppliers Group, to which China is not a member)
Military & Dual-Use
(Note: The new regulations cover 183 dual-use technologies,
including some on the Wassenaar Arrangement's "core list" of
dual-use technologies)
Contributing Factors to the Evolution of Chinese Policy
Over the past decade, in particular since the mid-1990s, Chinese proliferation activities have narrowed in terms of both their scope and character. Chinese transfers have moved away from sales of complete missile systems to exports of largely dual-use nuclear, chemical, and missile components and technologies. At the same time, the number of recipient countries has also declined significantly. Iran, Pakistan, and North Korea are among the few recipient countries of Chinese nuclear, chemical, and missile related technologies.[8]
Despite these generally positive developments, serious concerns remain over China's proliferation policy and activities. One is over Beijing's general approach to nonproliferation principles and practices. On the one hand, China has acceded to most international treaties and conventions that are broadly based with universal membership (e.g., NPT, CWC), and has by and large complied with their norms and rules. On the other hand, it remains critical of the key multilateral export-control regimes such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Australia Group (AG), the Wassenaar Arrangement, and the MTCR and has declined to join them.
The record of Chinese proliferation activities over the past decade remains mixed and contentious.[9] These controversies draw attention to the gap between Beijing's public pronouncement on nonproliferation and its reported proliferation activities, raising questions about China's commitment and intentions.[10] Recent reports by the National Intelligence Council and the Central Intelligence Agency continue to identify China as one of the key suppliers of materials and technologies that contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.[11] Appendix I and Appendix II provide summaries of reported Chinese proliferation activities since the late 1980s.[12]
Explaining the Word-Deed Gap
US-Chinese disputes over nonproliferation issues remain a serious problem in bilateral relations. Over the years, successive US administrations have sought to influence Chinese policy through a combination of inducements and sanctions. These range from suspension of technology transfers and imposition of economic sanctions against selected Chinese companies implicated in violation of US laws, to incentives in the forms of technology transfers to and commercial space launch contracts with China.[16] Table 3 summarizes US sanctions against China over the years.
Despite US pressure, Beijing reportedly has continued to transfer missile components and provide assistance to countries like Pakistan and Iran. Whether or not US sanctions have been effective in affecting Chinese behavior remains inconclusive at this point. What can be said is that a mixture of US sanctions (imposed or threatened) and economic benefits (withheld or offered) have had some impact on Chinese policy and behavior.
Washington has also resorted to economic incentives as a strategy to induce change in Chinese policy. Given that an important motivation behind Chinese weapons transfers is the pursuit of commercial interests, economic incentives in the forms of technology transfers and trade benefits, and the lifting of existing sanctions can, and under the right conditions, have induced Beijing to change its proliferation policy.[17] Both the Bush and Clinton administrations have either offered to allow China greater access to US technology or waived sanctions in return for Beijing's pledges and demonstrated actions to halt selling items and technologies of proliferation concern. Since 1989, Presidents Bush and Clinton have granted 20 waivers for US satellites to be sent into orbit by Chinese launch vehicles.[18] This practice has been used to encourage positive Chinese nonproliferation behavior by providing tangible economic benefits. Indeed, the Clinton administration specifically offered the prospect of expanding the space launch program, including waiving the post-Tiananmen sanctions on satellite launches on Chinese boosters to induce China to join the MTCR.[19]
Restricting the export of missile technology, missile-related computers and
satellites
No waivers on satellite export licenses Sources: Adapted from database compiled by the East Asia
Nonproliferation Program, Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
Table 3. US Nonproliferation Sanctions Against China, 1989-2001
DATE
SANCTIONS
DESCRIPTION
STATUS
1 Sept 2001
Imposed against China Metallurgical Equipment Corporation and its sub-units
and successors for allegedly transferring missile components to
Pakistan
Imposed pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act and the Export
Administration Act of 1979, as amended
Duration of a minimum of two years
18 June 2001
Imposed against Jiangsu Yongli Chemicals and Technology Import and Export
Corporation for providing to Iran technical assistance controlled by the
Australia Group
Imposed pursuant to the Section 3 of the Iran Nonproliferation Act of
2000
21 May 1997
Imposed against five Chinese individuals, two Chinese companies, and one
Hong Kong company for knowingly and materially contribution to Iran's
chemical weapons program
Imposed pursuant to the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and
Warfare Elimination Act of 1991
Duration of a minimum of one year
24 August 1993
Imposed against China's Ministry of Aerospace Industry that had
engaged in missile technology proliferation activities, and Chinese government
organizations involved in development or production of electronics, space
systems, or equipment and military aircraft and Pakistan's Ministry of
Defense
Imposed pursuant to the 1990 Missile Technology Control
Act
Waived 1 November 1994; Sanctions against Pakistani Ministry of Defense
expired August 1995
25 May 1991
Prohibition of the export of missile-related computer technology and
satellites
Imposed pursuant to the 1990 Missile Technology Control Act
Waived 23 March 1992; Sanctions against Pakistan's SUPARCO
expired
Another example of economic incentives at work was the 1998
certification by the Clinton administration that paved the way for implementing
the 1985 Sino-US agreement on peaceful use of nuclear
energy.[20] This allowed the US nuclear
industry to tap into China's potential billion-dollar nuclear market, as
well as encourage more responsible Chinese nuclear export
controls.[21] Over the years since the
conclusion of the US-China NCA, successive US administrations had indicated that
implementation of the agreement required China to make specific nonproliferation
commitments. Persistent US efforts gradually brought about noticeable change in
Chinese nonproliferation policy. In May 1996, China made a formal pledge not to
provide nuclear and dual-use assistance to unsafeguarded foreign facilities. In
addition, China phased out its nuclear cooperation programs with Iran by
suspending the sale of two 300-megawatt Qinshan-type nuclear power reactors,
canceling the transfer of a uranium conversion facility, and turning down
Iranian requests for other sensitive equipment and
technology.[22] In October 1997, China formally
joined the Zangger Committee.
However, the strategy of economic incentives, in particular in the form of technology transfers, has its limitations and is not without controversies. For instance, the Clinton administration's effort to get China to join the MTCR in exchange for greater access to American commercial space technology has been declined by Beijing.[23] At the same time, US technology transfers risk diversion to Chinese military end-use or, more worrying still, re-exports to third countries. There already have been a number of such cases where US machine tools and computers supposedly designated for civilian end-use have found their way in factories manufacturing Chinese cruise missiles and new-generation fighter aircraft.[24] Another prominent case involves two US satellite makers, Loral and Hughes, which allegedly provided sensitive information to China. In 1995-96, the two companies conducted investigations into the causes of the failed launches of the Apstar 2 and Intelsat 708 by Chinese Long March rockets but, without obtaining the necessary export control license, had disseminated the results of the findings to China. The sensitive information transmitted could potentially help China improve its ballistic missile guidance systems.[25]
In sum, US attempts to pressure China into accepting Western arms-transfer guidelines through the use of releasing/withholding advanced technologies have so far produced mixed results. Although one cannot deny that from time to time China has exercised restraint and has made good on its pledges, this is likely a reflection of Beijing's assessment of its national interests after weighing expected rewards (Western technologies) against forsaken commercial opportunities (missile/nuclear transfers). One important factor that may have influenced China's nonproliferation policy is its perception of how progress in this policy area could contribute to the overall bilateral relationship. This may have influenced China's decision to discontinue sales of anti-ship missiles (C-802, C-801) to Iran.[26] It may also provide the rationale for China to issue its key nuclear and dual-use export control regulations in 1997-98: to facilitate the development of a "strategic partnership" between China and the United States, as well as to secure the Clinton administration certification for implementation of the 1985 NCA. This linkage suggests that a serious deterioration in Sino-US relations could cause China to increase its proliferation activities.
Securing China's Compliance: Difficulties and Challenges
The difficulty in securing China's full compliance with US nonproliferation policy lies in differences in perceptions, interests, and policy goals. While the US has introduced broad-ranging nonproliferation measures and targeted particular states in implementing its policy, China has only committed to the universally accepted global nonproliferation norms as embodied in the NPT and the CWC. It is therefore not difficult to understand why Beijing initially resisted US pressures to suspend nuclear exports to Iran, since the latter complies with IAEA safeguard provisions, including full-scope safeguards. China eventually cancelled its nuclear reactors deal with Iran in 1997 out of consideration of broader Sino-US relations and the upcoming Clinton-Jiang summit.
There are also differences in interests. Washington seeks to stem proliferation of WMD and their delivery systems to the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, and South Asia out of its interests for the protection of US troops deployed in these regions, secure supplies of oil, the security of Israel, and stability in Indo-Pak relations. Beijing, on the other hand, regards its nuclear and missile exports as an important source of foreign exchange as well as ways to gaining influence in these regions.[27] Indeed, China's refusal to adopt IAEA full-scope safeguards as a condition of supplymay be due to concerns that such measures would deprive it of potential markets for nuclear technology. In the case of Pakistan, China's policy may be driven more by strategic considerations. With regard to its continued missile technology transfers and assistance to Pakistan, Beijing's motive may be more strategic than commercial. Islamabad has remained an important factor in Beijing's strategic calculation regarding South Asia and useful in its competition with India.[28]
Finally, China is increasingly concerned with the ultimate goal of US nonproliferation policy – what it views as Washington's drive for absolute security. This has become more apparent with the developments since early 1999 – the bombing of Chinese embassy in Belgrade, the release of the Cox Report, and US decisions to develop and deploy both national and theater missile defense systems. Beijing is especially concerned with the last development, which it considers as the most potent threat to its national security interests.[29] China's predictable response will be to build up its missile forces and develop counter measures; Beijing is also likely to hold any progress in global arms control hostage to US missile defense decisions. China is already pushing for setting up an ad hoc committee at the Conference on Disarmament to negotiate an outer space non-weaponization treaty and has held up work on a fissile material cut-off treaty.[30]
Indeed, missile defenses and US arms sales to Taiwan have emerged as the key issues likely to divide Beijing and Washington over the priorities of the arms control and nonproliferation agenda. Unless serious efforts are made to address some of China's core security concerns, Beijing can be expected to be less concerned about issues of greater significance to the US, such as weapons proliferation, when it perceives that its own interests are either being ignored or even harmed by US actions. One way to register unhappiness and to avenge its grievance is to make military transfers to regions/countries of US concern, or to be less responsive to US calls to tighten up China's own export control and international nonproliferation commitments.
Given that Sino-US disputes over proliferation issues reflect differences in threat perceptions and derive from lack of mutual understanding of each other's positions and security concerns, extended high-level talks are particularly important and can result in substantive progress in the area of nonproliferation.[31] Indeed, constructive dialogue and better understanding between China and the United States on various weapons transfer-related issues may increase the chance of their eventual solution. Clearly, efforts must be made to encourage Beijing to comply with, in spirit as well as in letter, the norms and practices of nonproliferation. In this regard, the US can and should play an important role given its concern over the proliferation of WMD and its leadership role in various multilateral nonproliferation export-control regimes. However, the US failure to ratify the CTBT and its aggressive push for ABM modification has in China's eyes greatly weakened American credibility in global nonproliferation leadership.
China has made gradual progress in its nonproliferation policy over the last decade. This is reflected in its acceptance of the core elements of the international nonproliferation norms, rules, and code of conduct. China has also pledged adherence to the MTCR's original guidelines governing missile transfers, and introduced elements of a domestic export control system. The factors that have contributed to these positive developments include China's concern over its international image, a growing awareness of the danger that WMD proliferation can pose to its own security, and its interest in maintaining a stable US-China relationship. US policy initiatives to engage, induce and punish have also had some impact on Chinese proliferation behavior. However, the pace and future direction of Chinese nonproliferation policy will be closely linked to Beijing's overall assessment of its security interests, threats, and policy priorities. Given recent developments in missile defenses and the growing salience of the Taiwan issue, continued Chinese support of global arms control and nonproliferation cannot be taken for granted. The Bush administration has both opportunities to seize and major obstacles to overcome in its efforts to enlist continued Chinese cooperation in arms control and nonproliferation. Several general observations can be made here.
[1] On this point, see Evan S. Medeiros,
"China, WMD Proliferation, and the ‘China Threat'
Debate," Issues & Studies 36:1 (January/February 2000),
pp.19-48.
[2] "Joint United
States-People's Republic of China Statement on Missile
Proliferation," 4 October 1994.
[3]
Associated Press, "China pledges it will not aid foreign missile
development," 21 November 2000.
[4]
Richard T. Cupitt and Yuzo Murayama, Export Controls in the People's
Republic of China, Status Report 1998 (Athens, GA: Center for International
Trade and Security, University of Georgia,
1998).
[5] Bates Gill and Evan S. Medeiros,
"Foreign and Domestic Influences on China's Arms Control and
Nonproliferation Policy," The China Quarterly 161 (March 2000),
pp.66-94.
[6] Ashton B. Carter and William J.
Perry, Preventive Defense: A New Security Strategy for America
(Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press, 1999), pp.92-122; "PRC
Played ‘Crucial Role' in Halting DPRK Missile Launch," The
Korean Times (Internet version), 20 September
1999.
[7] Zachary S. Davis,
"China's Nonproliferation and Export Control Policy: Boom or Bust
for the NPT Regime?" Asian Survey 35:6 (June 1995),
p.591.
[8] Evan S. Medeiros, "The
Changing Character of China's WMD Proliferation Activities," in Robert
Sutter, ed., China and Weapons of Mass Destruction: Implications for the
United States (Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, Library of
Congress, Spring 2000).
<http://www.cia.gov/nic/pubs/conference_reports/weapons_mass_destruction.html>
[9]
Media coverage in this area is extensive. See also, the Majority Report of the
Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation, and Federal Services of
the Committee on Governmental Affairs, US Senate, The Proliferation
Primer (January 1998); and Shirley A. Kan, China's Proliferation of
Weapons of Mass Destruction and Missiles: Current Policy Issues. CRS Issue
Brief (Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, updated 10 July
2001).
[10] Medeiros, "China, WMD
Proliferation, and the ‘China Threat' Debate."
[11] National Intelligence Council,
Foreign Missile Developments and the Ballistic Missile Threat to the United
States Through 2015, September 1999. Director of Central Intelligence,
Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to
Weapons of Mass Destruction and Advanced Conventional Munitions, 1 July Through
31 December 1999 (August 2000).
[12] I
would like to thank Evan S. Medeiros for providing these
charts.
[13] See John Frankenstein and Bates
Gill, "Current and Future Challenges Facing Chinese Defence
Industries," The China Quarterly 146 (June 1996),
pp.394-427.
[14] Evan S. Medeiros and Bates
Gill, Chinese Arms Exports: Policy, Players, and Process (Carlisle, PA:
Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College, August 2000); Yitzhak Shichor,
"Mountains out of Molehills: Arms Transfers in Sino-Middle Eastern
Relations," Middle East Review of International Affairs 4:3 (Fall
2000), pp.68-79.
[15] See Cupitt and
Murayama, Export Controls in the People's Republic of China. See
also, Wen L. Hsu, "The Impact of Government Restructuring on Chinese
Nuclear Arms Control and Nonproliferation Policymaking," The
Nonproliferation Review 6:4 (Fall 1999),
pp.152-167.
[16] See "US
nonproliferation sanctions against China." (Monterey, Calif.: East Asia
Nonproliferation Program database, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, 2001);
Duncan L. Clarke and Robert J. Johnston, "US Dual-Use Exports to China,
Chinese Behavior, and the Israel Factor: Effective Control?" Asian
Survey 39:2 (March/April 1999), pp.193-213; Victor Zaborsky,
"Economics vs. Nonproliferation: US Launch Quota Policy Toward Russia,
Ukraine, and China," The Nonproliferation Review 7:3 (Fall-Winter
2000), pp.152-161.
[17] William J. Long,
"Trade and Technology Incentives and Bilateral Cupertino,"
International Studies Quarterly 40:1 (March 1996),
pp.77-106.
[18] Warren Ferster,
"Sanctions Legislation Frustrates Industry," Space News,
25-31 May 1998, p.20.
[19] Howard Diamond,
"US Renews Effort to Bring China into Missile Control Regime,"
Arms Control Today 28:2 (March 1998),
p.22.
[20] "Text: President Certifies
China under US-China Nuclear Agreement," United States Information Agency,
16 January 1998; Howard Diamond, "Clinton Moves to Implement Sino-US
Nuclear Agreement," Arms Control Today 28:1 (January/February
1998), p.30.
[21] Jennifer Weeks,
"Sino-US Nuclear Cooperation at a Crossroads," Arms Control
Today 27:5 (June/July 1997),
pp.7-13.
[22] R. Jeffrey Smith,
"China's Pledge to End Iran Nuclear Aid Yields US Help,"
Washington Post, 30 October 1997,
p.1.
[23] Howard Diamond, "US Renews
Effort to Bring China into Missile Control Regime," Arms Control
Today 28:2 (March 1998), p.22; Jim Mann, "China Rejects Joining
Missile-Control Group, US Officials Say," Los Angeles Times, 17
April 1998.
<http://www.latimes.com/HOME/NEWS/NATIONS/t000036404.html>
[24]
Nigel Holloway, "Cruise Control," Far Eastern Economic
Review, 14 August 1997, pp.14-16; Jonathan S. Landay, "Is China
Diverting High Technology to US Foes?" The Christian Science
Monitor, 11 July 1997, pp.1, 8.
[25]
"Hughes and Loral: Too Eager to Help China?" Business Week,
13 September 1999; Juliet Eilperin, "GOP Leaders Demand Satellite Export
Data," Washington Post, 12 May 1998,
p.A5.
[26] Bill Gertz, "China to halt
missile sales to Iran," Washington Times, 20 January
1998.
[27] See John Calabrese, "China
and the Persian Gulf: Energy and Security," The Middle East Journal
52:3 (Summer 1998), pp.351-366.
[28]
Mushahid Hussain, "Pakistan-China defense co-operation: an enduring
relationship," International Defense Review 2/1993, pp.108-111;
Cameron Binkley, "Pakistan's Ballistic Missile Development: The
Sword of Islam?" in William C. Potter and Harlan W. Jencks, eds., The
International Missile Bazaar: The New Suppliers' Network (Boulder,
Colo.: Westview Press, 1984), pp.75-97.
[29]
Paul H.B. Godwin and Evan S. Medeiros, "China, America, and Missile
Defense: Conflicting National Interests," Current History
(September 2000), pp.285-289.
[30] See, for
example, statement by Mr. Hu Xiaodi, Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs of China
at the Plenary of the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, 15 JUNE 2000.
<http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/c464.html>
[31]
Bates Gill and Matthew Stephenson, "Search for Common Ground: Breaking the
Sino-US Non-Proliferation Stalemate," Arms Control Today 26:7
(September 1996), pp.15-20.
| COUNTRY | TYPE OF ASSISTANCE |
| ALGERIA |
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| ARGENTINA |
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| BRAZIL |
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| INDIA |
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| IRAN |
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| IRAQ |
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| PAKISTAN | NUCLEAR WEAPON-RELATED ASSISTANCE
CIVILIAN NUCLEAR ASSISTANCE
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| COUNTRY | TYPE OF ASSISTANCE |
| IRAN |
|
| IRAQ |
|
| LIBYA |
|
| PAKISTAN |
|
| SAUDI ARABIA |
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| SYRIA |
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