New Delhi: China on Thursday again cited a post-Pokhran blast resolution of the United Nations Security Council over missile tests in response to media reports that India was planning to test nuclear-capable ICBM Agni-V ballistic missies.“As for whether India can develop ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, the UNSCR 1172 already has clear stipulations,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a media briefing.The missile, with a strike range of 5,000 kms, could reach several Chinese cities and was expected to significantly bolster India’s military prowess.The missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warhead, has been successfully tested five times and is in the process of induction into the Army. All the five trials were successful.Very few countries, including the US, China, Russia, France and North Korea, have intercontinental ballistic missiles.The UNSC resolution of 1172 is related to 1998 nuclear tests by both India and Pakistan. This is not the first time, however, that China has brought up the UNSC resolution in connection with Agni V missile tests.Following the 1998 nuclear tests by India and Pakistan, the Security Council had called upon both countries to stop further nuclear tests, cap their nuclear weapons programmes, cease all fissile material production and end development of ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.The resolution was approved under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, which means that it is non-binding.Implicitly implying that the Indian missile tests will impact regional security, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson added, “Maintaining peace, security and stability in South Asia meets the common interests of all, where China hopes that all parities would make constructive efforts.”China has transferred and sold technology to India’s south Asian rival, Pakistan, for development of its own missile system.
