China claims support to block India’s entry into the NSG

China has claimed that it has the support of several members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to block India’s entry into the 48–nation group.

China emphasised that many countries believed that the signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was an “important” standard for the NSG’s expansion.

Several other NSG members believe that the NPT is important for safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. When quizzed about reports that China is pushing Pakistan’s entry into the NSG, linking it to India’s admission into the bloc, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said that the NSG is an important part of the NPT. The NPT has had the consensus of the international community for long.

Though India is not part of the NSG, it recognises this consensus. “All the multilateral non-proliferation export control regime including the NSG has regarded the NPT as an important standard for the expansion of the NSG,” Mr Lu said. Failing to make any references to Pakistan, he added, “Apart from India, lots of other countries expressed their willingness to join. Then it raised the question to the international community—shall the non-NPT members also become a part of the NSG?”

“The international community believes that there should be a side discussion in the NSG on this issue and the decision should be made in accordance with relevant rules. China’s position is not directed against any specific country but applies to all the non-NPT members,” Mr Lu added.

India has sought support of various countries for its membership to the NSG and other export control regimes. However, it is yet to receive a big push for its entry into the NSG.

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