China on Thursday declared its strong objection to US claims
that it is involved in the illegal arms trade.
"Some countries have sought to paint China's normal arms trade
links with other countries as being akin to military smuggling,"
the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a
statement.
Liu responded to a question regarding a US claim that its troops
found Chinese-made missiles in Iraq after they were smuggled in
from Iran.
"This has misled public opinion and has ulterior motives. We are
strongly dissatisfied and are firmly opposed to such statements
being made," Liu said.
Liu reiterated that China has always maintained a prudent and
responsible approach towards any arms exports and imposes rigid
self-control according to China's international obligations and
domestic laws, said Liu.
"China adheres to three principles when selling armaments:
enhancing the self-defense capability of importing countries, not
posing a threat to regional and global peace, security and
stability and not interfering with the internal affairs of other
countries," he said.
The spokesman also explained that China only exports arms to
sovereign states and prevents its arms being transferred to
third-party countries without the Chinese government's permission.
China has also set up a system to clarify the identity of end users
of its exported arms, he said.
China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, clearly
understands its responsibilities in maintaining regional and
international peace and security, Liu said.
The country has pragmatically carried out relevant UN
resolutions and has never sold embargoed arms to countries or
regions under a UN Security Council arms embargo, the spokesman
said.
In this way, China has enjoyed a normal arms trade with many
countries in line with these principles, Liu said, adding the trade
is carried out in a manner not only compliant with Chinese policies
and regulations on the arms trade but also with relevant UN
Security Council resolutions.
The spokesman stressed China has always actively participated in
the reconstruction of Iraq, and has made concerted efforts for the
region's peace and stability.
"Irresponsible rebukes cannot help to resolve problems," the
spokesman said, calling on parties concerned to enhance cooperation
and make joint efforts to safeguard international and regional
peace.
China stands ever ready to help bring peace, stability and
economic development to Iraq, in close partnership with the
international community, he said.
Showing particular concern for the exports of small arms and
conventional weapons, China promulgated the Law on Control of Guns
in July 1996, issued regulations on the Administration of Arms
Export in October 1997 and started amending the regulations from
October 2002, proving its track record and positive attitude.
According to the regulations, only licensed enterprises are
allowed to become part of the arms trade, and their export items
and contracts must be thoroughly checked by related official
departments. Weapon producers should offer valid certificates from
import countries, including those of end users.
(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2007)
