The China Puzzle, Part
2
by Linda A. Prussen-Razzano
In the sensitive balance of the World Theater, recognizing one's friends is essential in not tipping the scales. Starting with the Nixon Administration, and continuing through to the Clinton Administration, we have been told that China, as an emerging world power, should be encouraged towards "friendly" relations.
But how friendly are they?
In 1985, America and China entered into a Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. From 1990 to 1993, America sold China $530 million in missile-related exports.
In 1991, we learned that China provided Pakistan with M-11 missile technology. Under Section 73(a) of the Arms Export Control Act and Section 11B(b)(1) of the Export Administration Act, President Bush imposed sanctions against China.
In February of 1992, China agreed to adhere to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), voluntary guidelines that prohibit missile transfers with payloads from 500 kg to 300 km. In March, China also agreed to the Nucle ar Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), which limits non-peaceful nuclear projects. With those assurances in hand, President Bush waived the sanctions on March 23, 1992.
In January of 1993, China signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC); even though the C WC did not take effect until May of 1997, China never ratified it. In August of 1993, China once again transferred M-11 technology to Pakistan. President Clinton, under the same authority cited by President Bush, once again imposed sanctions.
Over a year later, in October of 1994, China once again affirmed its commitment to MTCR. With those assurances in hand, President Clinton waived the sanctions in November of 1994.
In March of 1995, the CIA discovered evidence that China was supplying parts, blueprints, and manufacturing equipment for the M-11 missile to Pakistan. China agreed to build a plant in Rawalpindi for missile manufacturing.
In 1995, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) also provided the A.Q. Khan Research Laboratory in Kahuta, Pakistan, with 5,000 ring magnets, used in the production of uranium. US Intelligence learned that CNNC is owned by the Chinese Government. These 1995 transfers are reportedly violations of both the NPT of 1992 and the Arms Export Control Act and Export-Import Bank Act of 1994.
Finally, in 1995, China supplied Iran's Karaj Nuclear Research Facility with a calutron (electromagnetic isotope separation system) for enriching uranium.
It was a very busy year for the Chinese.
In February of 1996, limited, short-lived sanctions were brought against China for these infractions.
In July of 1996, China declared a moratorium on nuclear testing, but still supplied Iran with test equipment for missile guidance systems, C-802 anti-ship cruise missiles, and 400 metric tons of chemicals for the production of nerve gas. In September, China signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), but that didn't stop the China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation (associated with CNNC and also owned by the Military) from supplying Pakistan with high-temperature furnaces, needed to mold uranium or plutonium (components for nuclear missiles).
Another busy year for the Chinese.
China violated the NPT, the Arms Export Control Act and Export-Import Bank Act, as well as PL104-201 (Sections 1303 and 1306). What did the Clinton Administration do in response?
Nothing.
Now, what was happening in 1996?
Oh, that's right.
The Presidential Elections.
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