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US to probe China-Pak nexus in missile test

The Bill Clinton administration is trying to inquire whether China provided technology for Pakistan's latest medium-range missile Ghauri in violation of an international export ban, says US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency Director John Holum.

China's support for Pakistan's 1,500-km missile, he said, would violate the Communist state's commitment to abide by the general terms of the Missile Technology Control Regime which bans exports of missiles and their technology for long-range missiles.

Holum said China had helped Pakistan's missile programme in the past but it was not clear that Pakistan's long-range missile knowhow originated in China.

Pakistan conducted the first test of its new missile earlier this week, but Holum stressed the test is 'not a deployment decision'. However, the missile development is a concern because of the tension between India and Pakistan and the possibility that both countries could field nuclear-tipped missiles.

''We think both countries should avoid actions that could be interpreted as provocative,'' he said.

UNI

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