China reiterated its firm opposition to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

"China has steadfastly pursued a policy of not advocating, encouraging or assisting any other country in developing weapons of mass destruction,'' Sha Zukang, China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, said on Tuesday in London.

China has throughout stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction, he added.

Sha said China has established a set of complete and effective mechanisms to tighten management and control on nuclear exports.

The nation has incorporated international practices such as the end-use and end-user guarantee system, licensing system, control list and "catch-all'' principle into its export controls in nuclear, biological, chemical, missile and other fields, he said.

"That's why China is opposed to the development and deployment of the National Missile Defence (NMD) programme which may undermine the global strategic balance and stability,'' he continued.

Sha's remarks came at the Wilton Park Conference focusing on reinforcing efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, currently being held in London. It runs from December 16-20 in London.

Wilton Park, which hosts over 45 conferences each year, is one of the world's leading centres for the discussion of international issues.

Sha said the fundamental solution to the prevention of proliferation of nuclear weapons lies in the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all kinds of nuclear weapons.

He urged all nations to strictly abide by their current obligations in respect of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and to try to reach new treaties.

He said improvement of the international and regional security environment and abnegation of double standards will create the right conditions for the prevention of nuclear proliferation.

(China Daily December 19, 2002)