China to stick to two-step approach for India's entry to NSG: Foreign Ministry

Beijing [China], Feb. 18 (ANI): China has said regarding India's application for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership, that it will stick to the two-step approach which requires the NSG members to work out a solution applicable to all non-NPT states, and on that basis, to deliberate on specific non-NPT states' joining. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a press conference on Friday that India and all the other applicants are subject to the same standard while responding to a question about Beijing's stand when issues of NSG and 1267 committee, will be raised by India during the Strategic Dialogue between the two sides. "On the listing issue in the 1267 committee, all parties are deliberating on the renewed application recently filed by relevant countries to the committee but have not yet reached consensus," said Shuang. "Be it India's listing application last year or other countries' application this year, China's position and attitude remains the same. We have but one standard in listing terrorists, that is to take the move based on solid facts," he added. Shuang argued that without facts, it would be difficult for Security Council members to reach consensus adding that China develops its position in relevant discussions based on the merits of the issue rather than its relations with India. India and China will hold their first Strategic Dialogue on February 22 in Beijing during which the two sides will discuss key issues of mutual concern and interest including friction points such as Masood Azhar and NSG. (ANI)