China's position on India's NSG entry remains 'unchanged'

China on Tuesday reiterated its staunch position over India's entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), saying that a decision should be made in strict accordance with the NSG rules and mandate through consultation.

"The Chinese side has stated repeatedly its stance on India's joining. Our position remains unchanged. We support the group in handling the issue with a "two-step" approach through open and transparent inter-governmental procedures, following the principle of reaching an agreement through consultation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a press briefing.

"What is imperative is to work out a non-discriminative solution applicable to all non-NPT states, and on that basis, discuss applications filed by specific non-NPT states," she added.

The spokesperson said that NSG plenary will be held this month in Bern, Switzerland, during which the Chinese side would like to continue with its constructive discussion with all the other parties on the relevant issue in accordance with the mandate of last years' Seoul plenary.

She further said that non-NPT countries joining into the NSG is a multilateral issue which should be decided by all NSG members through consultation adding the Chinese side is in close communication with other NSG members including Russia on this issue.

"All parties agree that a decision should be made in strict accordance with the NSG rules and mandate through consultation," she said.

India and Pakistan have applied for membership in the NSG. Beijing is backing Islamabad while India is supported by US and a number of western countries.

-ANI