Not being 'disrespectful' by opposing India's NSG bid: China

Defending China's move to oppose India's bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), their media have said that Beijing is not being 'disrespectful' to New Delhi.

This statement comes when relations between New Delhi and Beijing have been under strain following China's refusal in June to back India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"The China-India bilateral relationship now is on a sound track, with a by and large tranquil border and steadily booming trade. The two in general are able to maintain neutrality with regard to international affairs that are related to the other side. But problems emerge when it comes to issues that the two are at odds," an editorial in the Global Times stated.

"By opposing India's NSG membership, China is not being disrespectful to India because it obeys the rule that all NSG members are required to be signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty," it added.

The NSG will meet yet again this year to discuss the process of inclusion of countries like India, who have not signed the NPT. A special plenary session of the NSG can be called by the year end.

According to sources, there is possibility of India's inclusion in the NSG, while New Delhi will continue to discuss the issue with China.

The NSG in June failed to reach a consensus on New Delhi's membership application after several members of the 48-member group insisted on adhering to NPT conditions for admission.