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China blames India for arms race

China, on Tuesday, squarely blamed India for the nuclear arms in South Asia while muting criticism of its covert ally, Pakistan.

"India was solely responsible" because it tested nuclear bombs first, and Pakistan's tests were a reaction to the nuclear threat from India, foreign ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said at a briefing in Beijing.

Beijing had originally condemned India for its tests, but throughout the developing crisis has struck a more conciliatory line with Pakistan. Thus, even while expressing regret over Pakistan's nuclear response, China has taken care to officially note that nation's "security concerns".

Beijing sounds particularly upset that India chose to justify its tests by painting China as the villain.

Although Zhu blamed India today for starting the arms race, he also urged both countries to heed growing global support against nuclear testing and proliferation.

"We believe neither India's nuclear tests nor Pakistan's confirms to the historical trend," Zhu said. "China calls on both countries to show maximum restraint and immediately abandon nuclear weapons development."

Beijing is also urging both India and Pakistan to sign the Non Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Zhu repeated his government's official line that China had not helped Pakistan develop its nuclear weapons."China has been against the spread of nuclear weapons and has not helped any country acquire them," he said.

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