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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.
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