U.S. voices concerns over China nuclear weapons plans

BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States pressed concerns about Chinese nuclear weapons and space plans in talks between the two powers on Wednesday that also covered North Korea, Iran and other international security hotspots.

U.S. Acting Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security, John Rood, said the "strategic dialogue" in the Chinese capital had discussed how to expand cooperation in countering the threat of nuclear arms proliferation.

But Rood said U.S. diplomats and defense officials also came with concerns about China's own nuclear weapons and space military plans. There were no signs that the two sides made major strides in allaying mutual worries.

"China clearly has large-scale efforts in the nuclear area. This is something that we've sought a greater dialogue with our Chinese colleagues about," Rood told a news conference.

"We would like to have a better understanding of Chinese doctrines and plans in this area. I think that was something that we articulated in the discussions today."

The U.S. officials again raised objections to an anti-satellite test China conducted in January 2007 by using a missile to destroy one of its own satellites.

China did not immediately give its own account of the talks. But its officials have often noted that their defense spending and nuclear arsenal remain far smaller than Washington's, and said they are committed to "no first-use" of such weapons in any war.

"Our Chinese colleagues, I think, clearly articulated that that remains China's policy," Rood said of the no-first-use doctrine.

With about 200 nuclear warheads according to an estimate by the Federation of American Scientists, China's arsenal is far smaller than the United States' near 10,000. China had about 20 missiles capable of hitting the U.S. mainland, compared to 830 U.S. missiles that could hit China, a Federation study said.

Chinese diplomats have repeatedly said they want stronger international rules to avoid an expensive, destabilizing arms race in space.

But recent Chinese military analyses suggest that at least some in China's military take a bleak view of prospects for such efforts and believe their country must get ready for escalating rivalry.

Last month, Chinese President Hu Jintao publicly backed Russian opposition to U.S. plans to set up a missile defense system that would include bases in eastern Europe. China's neighbor Japan is also involved in the U.S. anti-missile efforts.

"We think our missile defense cooperation with Japan is not threatening to China. This is a purely defensive capability," Rood said.