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CIA report bares Chinese aid to Pak WMD programme

China has provided extensive support in the past to Pakistan's weapons of mass destruction programmes and some assistance continues, says a new Central Intelligence Agency report.

The report says China and North Korea provided Pakistan with support for ballistic missile programmes. ''Such assistance is critical for Islamabad's efforts to produce ballistic missiles,'' it adds.

The report's conclusion of Chinese support appears to contradict a recent declaration by President Bill Clinton that China was not selling nuclear weapons know-how to nations seeking the weapons.

The presidential declaration opened the way for US nuclear technology sales to China.

The CIA has identified Russia and China as key providers of weapons of mass destruction and missile technology around the world.

''Foreign weapons of mass destruction procurement managers in countries of concern have responded to western export controls by seeking dual-use goods largely from Russia and China,'' it says.

It says nations seeking nuclear, chemical and biological weapons also are ''looking more to each as a source of ballistic missile systems, critical missile components and related technology.'' The report covers January through June 1998.

UNI

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