ABSTRACT
The development of China’s position on nuclear weapons cannot be separated from Chinese conceptions of the defence of a sovereign and autonomous state in a world dominated by the two superpowers. The conclusion of the Partial Test Ban Treaty was severely criticized by China as a symbol of superpower collusion. In addition, China accused the Soviet leaders of having dropped their demand for the complete prohibition of nuclear weapons. Pakistan is a very close ally of China, mainly for strategic reasons. In 1981 there were even rumours that Pakistan had conducted a nuclear test on Chinese territory. China of course has denied these claims. China has been seeking nuclear co-operation in the non-military field with several Western countries, including the United States, Japan, France and Framatome Germany, which are bound by various agreements providing for safeguards and guarantees.
