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NEW DELHI: China has said that India’s admission to the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is not on the agenda of the grouping that started a plenary session in Seoul on Monday.
India’s NDTV news channel described China’s comments by foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in Beijing as a rebuff to India’s effort to join the NSG.
These followed remarks on Sunday by Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj expressing optimism that Beijing was not obstructing India but only talking of “procedure”.
NDTV quoted senior government sources as remaining optimistic. “India sees this as a procedural block by China. We remain optimistic but never expected this to be easy. Outcomes are always uncertain,” one such source said.
China has been leading a group of nations that are holding out against India’s membership to the 48-nation club that controls access to nuclear technology.
The Chinese spokesperson said on Monday: “The inclusion of non-NPT members has never been a topic on the agenda of NSG meetings. In Seoul this year, there is no such topic.”
She said opinion within the member countries was divided on including not just India but all countries that are not signatories to the NPT or Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Indian media have expressed the hope that the issue would be discussed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Council’s meeting in Tashkent later this week.
Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2016
Comments (197) Closed
It is Obama's goal to get India into NSG before his tenure is over. I hope India will in.
India has been accepted in the MTCR. China's request to join it have been rejected in the past. They have to realize that by blocking India at the NSG they will be blocked permanently by India in the MTCR. The ball is in Beijing's court.
What about Pakistan?
5 permanent members are non-signatory to the the treaty.
End discrimination. India & Pakistan should unite on this rather fight it out between themselves.
5 permanent members are non-signatory to the the treaty.
End discrimination. India & Pakistan should unite on this rather fight it out between themselves.
China is a responsible superpower and a great friend of Pakistan... Both Pakistan and China are very dependable and trustworthy brotherly nations!!!
China will support India. It cannot bear the cost of hostilities when its own economy has started slowing down. US is the sole superpower.
Yeah...time to celebrate!
How long China can ignore INDIA ?
India does not meet the criteria as after 2008 Exception, India has increased its nuclear arsenal which is against the conditions. NSG criteria should be fair and apply To all countries including Pakistan for the membership
there will be celebration in Pakistan!!
US on Monday said it continues to call member nations to back India’s membership, further indicating that New Delhi’s application is, contrary to the Chinese assertion, on the agenda.
Now it is open, Chinese will never support India, We will show China in future
China and a few members are opposing India's admission in the group. In case of Pakistan except for China, every other member is opposing.
So whats on the agenda?
India must give nuclear technology to Vietnam, Philippines, and Taiwan, then China will back India's entry to NSG. The South China sea claim by China will also be resolved.
China does not deserve to be in NSG.
Canada openly favoured India for NSG . Other country like US , Canada , UK etc will discuss India inclusion in NSG . India is isolating China by using high level diplomacy to all other expected opposing countries.
South Korea & other 46 NSG members will also decide , what to discuss in NSG plenary meeting. Waiting for Friday 24th June outcome.
@Rohit - The Superpower that owes China trillions of dollars in debt. How much does the US owe to India?
India needs Nuclear business to better its economy. It has every right to try all means to become a NSG member. How can this be called a snub? Incidentally it brings into open the mindset of nations who are against India's progress.
this will take time.. India has NSG waiver.. So relax guys..
china wants some business deals to be settled with india and is negotiating with india wrt nuclear plant construction by china in india.once that is settled,china has confirmed india that it will vote for india by the end of this year when another meeting on NSG comes up arround december 2016.
A sensible move by China. Except for an american interest in getting India into the NSG club, no other reason is qualified enough to merit India's entry. In fact Pakistan with its highly secured nuclear programme is better merited to join NSG.
China's concern is simple one that it fears India playing game in USA's hand whose sole aim to surrender China's economic/army development. It well knows India's hypocrisy as well.
If china will not support India into the entry of NSG, then china have to pay a lot for it.. India which is a global market for china will be blocked completely and china will not want to bear a huge loss from India and America
Wait China must have accept India's entry into NSG Sooner or latter.
China is a great country and always stands on principles. There seems to be a hidden agenda to include India in NSG; therefore China shouldn't allow this to happen.
India is working very hard to convince the countries who have apprehension about India. But if China continues to be adamant it will have a great impact on Indo-China relationship and thus India will be more closer to US. China should have to take realistic approach.
@Rohit LOL sole superpower? Ever tried finding US Debt? It's touching $20 trillion. As a homework, try to find China Debt.
Its matter of time India will get the member ship, one cannot ignore 1.25 billion people from its legitimate rights.
@Sunil I wasn't aware US has become operator on its tax payer expense. I will contact my representative and senator sorting this out if that's true.
5 nuc reactors from us and 5 more more from Russia France Japan already signed. Onus on these countries as well as Multi billion dollars are at stake. That's the reason I think if not in this meet by next gathering we will get it.
Sensible approach by China. Backed by Russia.
@Ahmed USA probably you didn't read Mr Putons comment few days back "US is the sole great power. China is a super power but only for Pakistan andNorth Korea.
@ANT lol, no one can control China's missile development. China is powerful enough to exert so much more influence than 99% of the world's countries as the 2nd largest economy.
That is true friendship, salute to china always helping pakistan.
@Ahmed USA I heard same statement past 65 years for US - Pakistan, and now may be for next 65 years for China - Pakistan
India does not need to be a NSG member anyway. We've got more scientists and engineers today then the NSG members together have.
This is last try by China.India will join NSG on 23rd June by their direct or indirect support.
@Rohit Correct one of the high level proliferators of nueclear technology.
@Ahmed USA Chinese are business men Not brother.
Nehru used to say "Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai" and China responded to him by invading India in 1962.
So be careful before Pakistan calls them "brother"
Asia region was controlled by ghangeis Khan in the past. Now China does not need to be the member of MTCR. India is being used by US to control China only. This assumptive sole power is too under the crunch. China will rule the Asia again and this time the subcontinent too
The rest of the members disagree with the Chinese. Encourage everyone to follow news.
@Qamar Ahmed - Jenghis Khan is not going to come again.. Times have changed.. Come out of the past.. Do you get to hear any Greek ranting about Alexander anywhere ?
@Desi Dimag US doesn't want India in NSG, they only want India to feel like they want it.
@Dheeraj Like to bet on it?
@Ahmed USA;
'5 permanent members are non-signatory to the the treaty.'
Not quite, they are signatories as Nuclear Weapon States.
@Rohit the Chinese economy will always be huge as its not only export driven but consumption driven so you couldn't be more wrong. Unlike India, China doesn't fudge and exaggerate its growth indicators
@Krana like you did in 1962 right
@Rohit Yeah Right ? One swipe and its knocked out; Such is power of Veto; No NPT member .. no NSG;
@Aurora Ignore who ??
@Krana Show what and what and when in future ?? It is here and now; One Veto and its done and dusted, out;
@Roshan OK.. the what you can do to get it done; Nothing !
China must remember that UNSC was offered to India but Nehru suggested that it be given to China. That is how China is there.
India is enjoying most of the NSG benefit due to exemption received in 2008. However, current strategy is just to isolating china with rest of the world. Either India join or not join, China will be in dilemma and get isolated with entire world.
@Qamar Ahmed MTCR restricts countries the export of missile, technology, components of Category 1 product. Specially 300km range with 500kg payload; Its actually restricting your own product and technology; All MTCR signed up countries are under strict restrictions of the MTCR regime. So, Hindus-tan can really benefit by closing the door on themself.
@ANT Nice comment.. We the people in India will support pakistan in all corners of our life because they are our brothers.. But won't accept china....They are the world's most recognised betrayers...
@AXH Do you know what is China's GDP to Debt ratio? Do a google and you will know what USA is. It will take China may be at least 50 year to be at the same level as USA.
@AXH China is under debt of 3 times of its total GDP.
@SHAH China can not deserve to ignore India
Talk abt pakistan..Why china.. lets Compare india to pakistan.. This is not a china new website to talk abt china. now google future top economies in the world.. You will get your answers on where pakistan stands.. peace
So many issues facing Pakistan including terrorism, poverty, unemployment, sectarianism etc but people choose to celebrate because India doesn't get into NSG. Surely you can find more positive things to celebrate?
I have previously said that India will be in the NSG in 2017. The reason is simple, there is going to be a tough bargaining between India and China but China cannot afford to 'lose' India to the USA & Japan.
Best will be if India wont get it !! after One month all will do what they do best. & why india need it ? just to get cheap fuel rest all India already have.
@Ahmed USA Sometimes back Pakistan had a brotherly relation with Afghanistan and Iran. We make brothers as long as it is serving our purpose.
Do celebrate as much as you can while you can......we all know this is only for so long....either this year or next...
@Roshan thank you for the information , But china alrady is !
India need to understand that they can't remain with US and China at the same time.
India is helping US against China in every matter. How can India expect China's support?
Pakistan has won again. Thank you China.
I wish Pak and India could work together rather then against each other.
I think both India and Pakistan should lobby as a single unit considering the high energy demand on both countries. It is the need of the time for both of these countries to get entry into NSG.
China is about to see a dip in it's influence in world affairs soon. Pakistan was given the membership of MSCI Index and China was denied a place because of non-transprancy in the securities low enforcement within China.
@Bharath - but isn't it the same as Akhand Bharat? So yes, some similar mentality exists on both sides!
Once again china proved that it is a true friend of Pakistan. Love live Pak China friendship :)
@Naveed no one cares about it .
@Rohail you haven't read single word from economy book. Have you?
@Ahmed USA Seriously.
@Ahmed USA Seriously.
@Roshan OK, we have forward your request to NSG :)
@AXH near about 95billion.
@Zulfiqar Baig what about u guys?
@Aurora How long China can ignore INDIA ?
India is trying to make sure China can't hide behind other countries and comes out as a sole opposition to India's entry in NSG. Then China will see the effects of its opposition to Indian entry in NSG on bilateral trade and in other spheres.
@GreenMangoMore , further during cold war, despite China , being a fellow Communist Nation , went against USSR and made axis with USA to further their causes. Now, the same China calls Russia as brothers just to become formidable rival of USA. it shows, no brotherhood is permanent for China but only interest.
@SHAH but now India can export missiles to other countries which are below 300 km range, business is the main reason behind joining
@Rohit You do realize that China is a 11 trillion economy compared to 1.8 trillion Indian economy. Any hostilities between China and India and it will be India who will suffer not China.
@Ram , Chinese debit ratio is just double to that of their growth ratio. Much of their reserve can be evaporated if China faces Economic hostility from USA and India where China has huge huge trade surplus.
@Ahmed USA Who has given Visa to you ?
less of backing pak but to delay india's bid only how many are definitively supporting pak? is pak success about india's failure
@Qamar Ahmed so you accept rule of China?
India, US, UK, Canada and all other supporting countries should start new NSG group and make old NSG irrelevant.
I am sure all the Pakistanis will be very happy now
@Khalsa Misls and India alone has more poverty than rest of the world alone :)
Pakistani citizens have forgotten that their country is a confessed nuclear proliferator. Their case cannot be equated with any other case because no other country falls into that category.
@immo Look who is talking about poverty. Don't mock yourself.
@Desi Indian Please get the facts before threatening China economically. According to 2015 results, India does not even factor in top 10 trading partners with China. China does almost 1 trillion trade just between the US and Europe not to mention another 1 trillion between Japan, Russia, South Korea, Brazil, Australia, Malaysia and Taiwan.
Now we can all understand that you are a bit angry at being snubbed by China but I am afraid there is not much you can do about it. Sorry.
Shushma trying well, but I don't think it's going to work to gain membership
@Gujranwala It is not new.All are trying to take India to influence others.BRICS felt powerful because of the ability of "I" to snub USA, Indo japan US malabar exercise to contain China & BASIC group to contain Russia.India know & play better in international politics.
This is a dangerous game. US leaders wanting exceptions for their alliance members is ruining the international disarmament regimes. Exception in 2008 and exception now for India is in itself a violation of commitments. Inte'l security experts were correct in that 2008 exception will weaken the NPT and be a setback for disarmament. If this causes war, it will be due to US policies.
No wonder more and more countries are backing off from the US and terrorism and radicalism is increasing. It the over all impact of US policies and actions.
@Rohit - wake up. The world has changed a lot since you last looked around. China is today's reality and a superpower.
India and Pakistan together have a better chance to be included in the NSG, and here the divisive position of USA aimed against China, cannot help either of them.
Good move by China. True friend of Pakistan
@True Indian
same is true about India
@AXH I hate it when ignorant people in pakistan thinks, America owes anything to China, China bought Government Bonds from USA, if those bonds go down or US refuses to Pay China, wha tis CHina going to do nothing,.
@Ahmed USA do you really think China is blocking India for Pakistan? China is shaken by India's growth and influence so is trying to contain it. These are the big boys playing.
China can ill afford to oppose India's entry for long and lose out billions in trade with US and India.
The Game is running my dear.. All the vital heads are behind this now.. We must not embarrassed China and have to make a formula so that Chinese obsession on Pakistani people may be intact if they can;t make the entry to NSG. This is the Chinese demand.. OK, we are working on that formula..
@Rakesh.. This is one of the option they are thinking...
@lafanga bro india is a 2.2 trillion economy as of 2016. 1.8 was 3 years ago. check with imf.
@Roshan Really!
Thanks China.
@Ali Raza-Brisbane You have a Point, but that is too simplistic is'nt it :)
@Ahmed USA : china is not a superpower or developed country. china is a third world country. UNTED STATES OF AMERICA is the only super power in this world
@Feroz
An NSG came into being because of India's violation of its nuclear agreement. Pakistan's was an act of an individual. India's violation was at a state level. Two different level of offence.
Showing India its True Value.. besides being just a "big market" for the world powers..
when the face a battery of brahmos missiles from Vietnam Indonesia and philipines they may change their tune.
@AXH india owns 40 billion dollars of US bonds..wake up
@lafanga Do you realise that China economy is now on "Save me" mode? they have devalued their currency two times? India GDP rate is higher than china at the moment where foreign investors are keen on investing in india. India can produce anything they want , due to their arrogant approach and claims on disputed sea area their relation is terrible with USA and other countries , only supporting country to them is now PAK. do you really think if India want to maintain good relation with other countries china can do anything ? USA has already signed NSG like agreement with India if India don't get entry they can sign similar agreement with other nations like AUS, SIWZ, FRA, etc. However going forward india will not support anything to China or PAK for any trade at international level.
Overall it seems PAK is missing a big international platform by going with China
China has billions in trade surplus with India and it can't ignore India for long
@AK bro india did make nukes for its self defence not to proliferate to iran north korea and libya. i challenge u to name a country india has proliferated nuke materials to.
@Abdulla Hussain I am wonder that all Pakistanis easily forget about Abdul Qadeer Khan.
The vote hasn't even happened yet. How is anything a snub? Just wait till the vote to see who gets snubbed.
@SABER BAcked by Russia?? just see yesterdays news paper
India will make it and no one gonna stop it.
@deepak "Do you realise that China economy is now on "Save me" mode?"
Really? Is this why Tim Cook went to China "before" India and invested 1 billion dollars while promising zero investment in India other than dumping used iPhones. Most likely the device you are using to post your comment was made in China. China is everywhere. In your home and at your work and in your super markets. It's Everywhere.
@Qamar Ahmed Genghis khan is not a chinese, learn the fact before comment.
MTCR, NSG and then permanent veto holding member of the UNSC. Nobody can stop India now !
@Rohit which movie was that....l
@logic1 not really, we are least bothered about india. We want to be the best.
@a "MTCR, NSG and then permanent veto holding member of the UNSC. Nobody can stop India now !"
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride !!
China has shown its credentials as a true super power. It is being fair in applying rules , not breaking principles to favour any one country for personal agenda, like US. That is why US has lost respect. Trying to bringing in the criminal who was the cause of setting up the NSG.
Those who doubted Latha Jishnu's 'beautiful' words that we are "chasing a mirage" must have got their egos deflated.
@Ali Raza-Brisbane "5 permanent members are non-signatory to the the treaty. End discrimination. India & Pakistan should unite on this rather fight it out between themselves"
Good thoughts Ali. But with due respect, the Indian leadership increasingly feels that India should be treated at par with the five permanent members than with any others. Which looks more and more justified year after year.
China is trying to play US, not India. India isn't anything close to China like Pakistan
India just thinks everyone else around them is stupid. They sent their delegate to woo Chinese. Can't Chinese work out what india is upto? Its cosying up to USA to act as their agent in The region to tackle Chinese Rise. And yet they go to China seeking their help in making India even more dangerous with nuclear stuff.
It is truly a sorry state of affairs that people from both sides take pleasure in any problems the other side is facing. Much as people don't want to admit it - in reality India and Pakistan are brothers - historically, culturally and even genetically.
It is undignified and embarrassing so see such comments - surely a humble attitude and hard work and wish well to the other side is how you should be what all sides should want.
@ANT does it make any difference?
@R. Rao then why only india. Every country needs to better it's economy, why not give access to all countries then? What a flimsy argument.
@AXH Yes US owes trillions to China. US is biggest importer of Chinese goods. What happens if US stops importing from China and refused to honor the debt? What happens if other countries do the same. What happens if trade is on barter system and no trade surpluses?
@Qaisar Well, all nuclear weapon countries have increased their nuclear arsenal. US has decreased some along with Russia.
@Amir Indian Same goes with India for 65 years we have been hearing India and USSR and now we will hear for the next 65 years India and USA whats the difference ?
Not to be disappointed, technologies will flow if we have money. lets treat this in India as a challenge and improve further & see to it that china follows us.
@Desi Dimag, Sorry Charlie, India will get into NSG anytime soon. This is one more point I disagree with Obama.
It is a long way to go.
@Ali Raza-Brisbane, Please read NTP charter, five veto wielding powers are signatories as the only recognized atomic powers.
Gosh stop fighting over this already. China only cares about itself. It's investment in Pakistan is only to benefit itself. This is just a bargaining tool from China. It will soon let India join.
@Rohit, In China, any slowing down of economy is a global phenomenon and is not at all impacted by what happens to Indian economy or to India whatsoever. India has to behave in a mature way to make its way in.
Well.let us see for how long China make this blocking effort...
@Aurora There will be time and occasions when China will need India's support and at that time India can think of.....
India will not be allowed a free ride.
@Aurora "How long China can ignore India" As long as India ignore its neighbours
The diplomatic war between China and the US over India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) just got nasty. On the face of repeated - sometimes impassioned - requests by the US to NSG members to allow India into the elite club, China on Monday said India's admission to the elite nuclear club is not even on the group's agenda during its current plenary session in Seoul. The US hit back later on Monday again - for what seemed like the nth time - calling on NSG members to support India's application at the Seoul session. On cue, China came back Tuesday to say that it was the US that made the rule against the NSG entry of countries who haven't signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) - India hasn't - so the focus should really be on whether entry criteria to the elite nuclear club should be changed.
This is a genuine question. What benefit would India receive by joining NSG? All my readings on the matter suggest the due to the exemption granted a few years back, India enjoys all the benefits of membership already.
@lafanga India has never been a united country except few exceptions in history therefore rest assured they will be finding it difficult to hold together very soon let alone dreaming of becoming a super power
@Ahmed USA , China ageed for special waiver for India in 2008 as a smart country. Had it been a Superpower it would have blcked that too
@KKumar - "What if" does not work in trade. Ever thought about how it will impact US's credit ratings and what that will do to the international markets?
@Wariss "India will make it and no one gonna stop it."
Keep repeating that in your dreams until reality wakes you up.
@Australian Agnostic
Right now under the exemption granted, India can enjoy all the benefits of membership with US ONLY. Once India become NSG member, India can enjoy the same membership benefits with ALL other NSG member countries.
It's hilarious to read Indian comments on how China needs India. Indians are seriously delusional.
Appreciate China's principles based stance. Hope other countries in NSG will also follow the lead.
Read it too http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/In-U-turn-China-says-NSG-open-to-non-NPT-nations/articleshow/52852251.cms
@Qaisar 41 countries don't support china's hegemony in NSG . If India fails in its attempt to get an entry in NSG, then both China and Pakistan should face India's non co-operation on economic front. first attempt will be the blocked of all trade with China and prevent passing of CPAC road from Kashmir.
How sad...a country reduced to blocking other's progress..rather than focusing on its own....
I agree with Chinese principal stand to block India entry into NSG with out India signing NPT. Why India is dying to join NSG, because after joining NSG she wants to get the muscle and create hegemony in subcontinent.
Why can't India simply sign NPT and remove the objection. Making exception in 2008 was enough and trying the same again is probably not acceptable. Ifr other countries have signed NPT to become members of NSG what is India's hang up. world is tired of American exceptionalism and now India is asking to be exceptional.
@lafanga - does this apply to India - Pakistan too?
Why are you guys so smug? India has NSG waiver. China is trying to extract what it can to acquiesce, which is smart realpolitik. Pakistan should back India with an understanding that India will join China and back its entry. The problem here is that no one else will.
Time to do business for mutual benefit, not keep up this Zero Sum game
@lafanga you forgot China does only the ifone assembly but the ifone sw is being developed in India, which task is more important I need not emphasise and before questioning India credentials first create an identity of yourself than posing China's achievement as yours.
@Kashmiri Nationalist I don't know in which world u live, china never follows the correct Indicators, I strongly recommend you to read something worth than only reading....
Instead of taking pleasure from Indians failures, why doesn't Pakistan develop itself?
Look like MODI'S magic not going to work that time on this topic...
God Bless China. Love to China.
@Indian Thanks for the answer. Your answer clarifies a few things for me.
@Qamar Ahmed ; China has failed in building confidence in its methods of trade and geo-political diplomacy. The world sees China as too aggressive and unrelenting and a nation and its people bent on circumventing laws. Read the news.
@INDIAN LOVE ; And Pakistan and "iron Bother" China are isolating India--against the current.
@Zulfiqar Baig : Principles? Ask Indonesia, Phillipines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, et al!
@Rohail ; Don't forget your hijab or niqab!
Urdu-Chini Bhai Bhai.
@saleem :Keep your eyes peeled and pray for the Uighurs!
@RamRahim, Sindh Very well said. We make relations with Saudi as well as with Iran. And Relations with Israel without upsetting Iran and other Muslim contries. Art of diplomacy at its best.
@Rohail : Have you checked USA's resources and intellectual properties and reserves?
@Rohit Singh : After building nuclear power gens in India, the builders can't say: Oops! No fuel for you!
@Raaz , very much surprised you know everything who is opposing and who is supporting Pakistan,please let us know your source or its top secret?
@SABER Russia? ????
@SABER : who told Russia is not supporting India's membership to join NSG??
And how many countries are there in China's group ?
@lafanga That's the point! Most of the private manufacturing in China is owned by the West. What if they re-locate to other countries, which they will have to because the labor rates are going up.
@Narindra Modi Please follow the news, my friend.
why our foreign policy goes around what india is doing?
Elite club do not want any more member its just a friendly words from USA and other elite members to make more business.
@Kashmiri Nationalist : Really? Even Chinese don't believe in the numbers published by their people's government. And one more thing. It just a matter of time before China implodes due to credit bubble in their economy. And when that happens no one is going to rush to help them.
@Abhi trade between india and china is mutual interest not only chinese interest it is
pakistan and india should help each other to enter the group.
@Ali Raza-Brisbane Yes you are very correct. It is high time that these two countries reorient their attitude and cooperate and prosper together, if there is any difference sort it out between them
@Indian Exemption from NSG allows India to buy reactors and uranium. France, US, Russia are providing reactors and Canada, Australia and Kazakhstan are providing Uranium. Even Japan wants to cooperate in nuclear technology development. NSG membership will allow India to sell civilian nuclear technology to other NSG members. Pakistan is already getting civilian and non-civilian nuclear technology from China in violation of NSG and NPT.
@deepak - interesting, Indian thinks all other nations are isolated using pseudo intellectual arguments.