No change in stand on India’s NSG bid: China

Ahead of this week’s NSG meet in Vienna, China on Monday stuck to its guns saying there was “no change” in its stand on India’s membership bid which it has indicated would be considered only after rules for entry of non-NPT countries are finalised by the elite group.

“This Friday in Vienna a plenary session of the NSG will be held. Our position is subject to no change as of date,” Lu Kang, spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry, told a media briefing here.

Referring to the November 4 meeting of the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of India and China in Hyderabad, Mr Lu said China is in close contact with relevant parties, including India and have been having constructive dialogue and coordination on this issue. NSA Ajit Doval had held talks with Chinese counterpart and state councillor Yang Jiechi in Hyderabad during which the issue had reportedly figured.

The talks were held ahead of the meeting of the 48-member NSG in Vienna on November 11-12, where according to media reports the group could discuss the two-stage process to admit new members who have not signed nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. India and Pakistan which have applied for NSG membership have not signed the NPT.