China hopes the NSG will equally address the aspirations of all parties for the peaceful use of nuclear power while adhering to the non-proliferation program. A Chinese Foreign Ministry official said that China hoped the decision by the NSG would contribute to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and support the goals of nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear power.

A turning point

The NSG has been imposing strict embargoes on countries that are not NPT signatories. The recent decision thus marks a turning point that, in the long run, will have a profound impact on international non-proliferation efforts. It has opened a new chapter in global efforts to limit the nuclear threat.

Supporters of the decision argue that the policy change by the NSG will keep nuclear technology and materials off the black market, ultimately making the world a safer place.

Critics of the decision, on the other hand, fear the NSG decision will jeopardize the credibility and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime, as it sends the message that multiple standards exist in the fight against nuclear proliferation, and that political, economic and strategic circumstances override proliferation concerns. Countries on the nuclear threshold might be tempted by the potential rewards of the Indian approach and pursue their nuclear weapon programs with renewed vigor. This new perspective might also affect negotiations over the North Korean and Iranian nuclear issues.

It is yet to be proved by time whether the NSG decision would turn out to be a blessing or a blow to the international non-proliferation regime.