BEIJING, March 2: China said on Thursday that nuclear cooperation between the United States and India must conform with the rules of the global non-proliferation regime.

“Cooperation must conform with the requirements and provisions of the international non-proliferation regime and the obligations undertaken by all countries,” foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said.

Mr Qin was speaking to reporters in Beijing as US President George Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sealed a nuclear deal in New Delhi seen as the bedrock of a new strategic bilateral partnership.

He said China had a ‘clear position’ on nuclear cooperation between the United States and India, urging that their cooperation be conducive to global non-proliferation efforts.

“The international community is now working hard to strengthen the authority and efficiency of the non-proliferation regime,” he said.

“China hopes cooperation among countries on the peaceful use of nuclear energy will facilitate efforts.”