China said Thursday that nuclear co-operation between the United States and India must conform with the rules of the global non-proliferation regime.
"Co-operation must conform with the requirements and provisions of the international non-proliferation regime and the obligations undertaken by all countries," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said.
Qin was speaking to reporters in Beijing as US President George W. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sealed a nuclear deal in New Delhi seen as the bedrock of a new strategic bilateral partnership.
He said China had a "clear position" on nuclear co-operation between the United States and India, urging that their co-operation be conducive to global non-proliferation efforts.
"The international community is now working hard to strengthen the authority and efficiency of the non-proliferation regime," he said.
"China hopes co-operation among countries on the peaceful use of nuclear energy will facilitate efforts."
The US-India deal commits Washington to seek approval from the US Congress and countries of the Nuclear Suppliers Group to lift restrictions on sharing civilian nuclear technology with India.
It also marks a major turnaround for the United States, which for three decades spearheaded a drive to deny India nuclear technology after New Delhi developed nuclear weapons in violation of international norms.
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