China's Prospective MTCR Membership: Pros and Cons

摘要

A 1994 U.S.-Chinese joint statement underscored the intention of both countries "to work toward a Chinese commitment to control missile-related exports according to the current Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines, as well as to promote eventual Chinese membership in the MTCR." The administration of U.S. President Bill Clinton encouraged China to undertake negotiations on a binding missile agreement whereby China would adhere to current MTCR guidelines. It then took the Chinese government nine years to come to its September 2003 decision to become "ready to positively consider the membership in the MTCR," as the Chinese foreign minister worded it.