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China says U.S. nuclear worries 'exaggerated'
Beijing's defense chief begins Pentagon meetings
December 9, 1996Web posted at: 1:15 p.m. EST
In this story:
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- News reports have exaggerated the issues of nuclear and missile proliferation by China, and some of those problems "simply do not exist," Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian said at the Pentagon on Monday.
Chi was welcomed by Defense Secretary William Perry at the start of high-level talks with U.S. officials. Both men expressed hope their discussions will lead to better relations between the two powers.
The 67-year-old general, known as a hard-liner on U.S. policy, also met briefly with President Clinton and aides at the White House. U.S. ambassador to Beijing Jim Sasser said the subject of arms proliferation did not come up.
Chi led 1989 crackdown
Chi fought against the United States in the Korean War and was the chief of staff who oversaw the military crackdown on pro-democracy forces in Tiananmen Square in 1989.
That violent conflict sealed a downturn in U.S.-China relations, since exacerbated by China's human rights and trade records, its aggressive stance toward Taiwan and its sales of weapons of mass destruction.
The United States has protested to China about sales of missile and arms technology to Pakistan that might advance Pakistan's nuclear arms program. Recent published reports have said Washington is worried also about Chinese arms transfers to Iran.
'Blown out of proportion'
Chi sidestepped a question about whether China had sold nuclear technology to the two countries. Answering a reporter's question at a brief joint news conference with Perry outside the Pentagon, the general said saying China is only interested in "peace and stability" and that the issue had been "blown out of proportion" by the media.
But Perry said arms transfers and nuclear proliferation would be key subjects of discussion Monday.
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Chi's visit was twice postponed because of tensions between Washington and Beijing, particularly over the issue of Taiwan. Beijing considers the island a renegade province.
On Tuesday, China's defense chief meets members of Congress and holds formal talks at the White House.
Correspondent Jamie McIntyre and Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- China declines U.S. proposal to not target missiles - November 25, 1996
- U.S and China friendlier, but not 'partners' - November 21, 1996
- US: China is observing arms control deals - October 9, 1996
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