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China slams charges on arms trade

BEIJING: China has been exporting conventional weapons in accordance with international rules, a Chinese expert has said.

Teng Jianqun, a researcher with the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, told Xinhua on Monday that China has always put its limited arms export under strict control and surveillance, denouncing Amnesty International's allegations on China's arms trade as irresponsible and groundless.

The human rights group released a report on Sunday, accusing China of contributing to regional conflicts and human right violations by exporting a large quantity of weapons to Sudan, Nepal, Myanmar and the Great Lakes countries of Africa.

Three principles

``The charge comes out of nowhere, as China always abides by related international conventions and imposes rigid self-control in terms of arms export and transfer of military technologies,'' Mr. Teng said.

He noted that China adheres to three principles in arms trade: it should help enhance the self-defence capability of importing countries, should not impair regional and global peace, security and stability, and should not be used to interfere in other countries' internal affairs.

``China's attitude has been widely appreciated in the world, and its weapon sales haven't jeopardised regional peace or caused any human rights disasters,'' he said.

As one of the most lucrative businesses in the world, arms trade plays an important role in ensuring economic profits and sustaining military industry in many countries. Therefore, many countries capable of producing and exporting weapons try to get greater market shares.

— Xinhua

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