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Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), is a serious
global concern. The ineffectiveness of the existing NPT regimes and the
continued risk of WMD finding its way to terrorist organisations is a
strong threat to humanity, specially in the aftermath of terrorist
attacks on America in 2001. While this is well recognised by all global
powers and global community, and every global player in his policy
documents gives adequate emphasis on it, the question, which
humanity needs to ask them, is " Are they doing enough to ensure it".
China, on 01 September 2005, published the 'White Paper on Arms Control', which
gives out the seriousness which China is exhibiting to prevent
proliferation of WMD. It highlights Chinese resolve to remain
committed to pushing forward the process of international arms
control, disarmament, and non proliferation. The policy states "The
issue of non-proliferation should be dealt with by political and
diplomatic means within the framework of international law. The
existing international legal system on arms control, disarmament and
non-proliferation should be maintained, further strengthened and
improved. The legitimate rights and interests of all countries as
regards the peaceful use of science and technology should be
guaranteed and the role of the UN and other multilateral organizations
be brought into full play". The advocacy of China, for legitimate
right and interest of countries regarding peaceful use of science and
technology to be guaranteed, is a matter of perception of interested
countries and gives adequate window of opportunity to pursue transfer
of crucial technology, which may not be in the overall interest of
humanity, gravelly threatened by risk of proliferation of WMD. The
news of a recent proposal of Pakistan to buy six nuclear powered
reactors from China in next decade is a case in point, which in views
of commentators could well underline Western concern about nuclear
proliferation ( Times of India, 04 January 2006).
As regards fulfilling international obligations of non proliferation,
China joined IAEA in 1984, entered Non Proliferation Treaty ( NPT ) in
1992, Chemical Weapon Convention ( CWC) in 1993 and Comprehensive Test
Ban Treaty ( CTBT) in 1997. China had also acceded to Biological
Weapons Convention (BWC) in 1984. In November 1991, the Chinese
government announced that it would, on a continuing basis, notify the
IAEA of China's export to or import from non-nuclear-weapon states of
any nuclear material of over one effective kilogram. In 2002, China
applied for joining 'Nuclear Supplier Group' and presently, acceptance
of the IAEA full-scope safeguards by importing countries has been set
by China as the precondition for nuclear export. The White Paper of
China also gives out a comprehensive list of agreements and treaties
to justify China's resolve in promoting non proliferation of WMD.
Notwithstanding what China has given out in their White Paper for
global consumption, not very many may be convinced about it. In April
2005, the United States Congressional Research Service Report ( CRS
Report) on China and Proliferation of WMD and Missiles, indicates
China's continued supply of nuclear arms to countries like Pakistan,
North Korea, and Iran and remaining a 'Key Supplier' of weapon
technology particularly missile or chemical technology. Under pressure
from United States in 1992, China gave an assurance that it would
completely ban the export of ground to ground missiles, and those
missiles which violate MTCR regulations in return for dissolution of
sanctions imposed by the US. In 2003, the US once again expressed concern
over China's nuclear export policy and re-imposed sanctions on five
Chinese companies including NORINCO. On 14 occasions, the Bush
Administration has imposed sanctions on PRC entities (not the
government) for transfers (related to ballistic missiles, chemical
weapons, and cruise missiles) to Pakistan, Iran, or another country.
It, therefore, indicates that all so called sanctions and initiatives of
US have not been effective enough to persuade China against crucial
technology transfers, which indicate suspected proliferation. It also
generates suspicion that irrespective of what is being stated in the
White Paper, is China serious about non proliferation of WMD or it is
willing to sacrifice it, as and when her national interest so demands,
although Chinese papers emphasise that in pursuance of her nuclear
business, it has taken no steps to violate any non proliferation
agreements which she has ratified?
On the part of the US, while they claim to have launched Proliferation
Security Initiative (PSI) in 2003, besides host of other initiatives
and taken punitive action against selected countries (Afghanistan,
Iraq ) on the pretext of saving humanity from ill effects of
proliferation of WMD, the serious question to be asked is that
despite revelations about nuclear proliferation by Dr A Q Khan, with
his clients scattered dangerously, has adequate action been taken
against Pakistan? What is the guarantee that WMD are not finding way
to Al Qaida/ Taliban or other terrorist organisations? Isn't US
sacrificing and circumventing the main issue for her perceived
National Interest? Isn't it making all her initiative in this regard
"unconvincing" and cause of concern to humanity? Can the existing
counter proliferation measures really arrest/ ensure non proliferation
of WMD? Are the existing initiatives creating enough safeguards if
some defiant states are not part of the existing initiatives?
It is high time that global community be genuinely serious about this
grave threat to humanity, even if it amounts to sacrificing some minor
gains for the overall safety of mankind. It is anybody's guess, as
to who are going to be the victims of this threat in future, as these
WMD find their way in the hands of terrorist organisations. The global
community needs to rise above their individual interest and global
organisations like United Nations need to take more emphatic call on
the issue.
For countries like India, who continue to face newer challenges from
terrorist organisations, we need to be prepared to face the threat of WMD from terrorist organisations in future, which may be able to lay
hand on some such technology, with their linkages outside. We need to
be proactive and continue raising this issue in every possible forum.
We need to follow a rational and balanced approach, which ensures our
legitimate interests of adequate nuclear energy and capability besides
being mentally prepared to deal with this challenge in times to come. |
