China appears to be mellowing down on its strident opposition to Indo-US civil nuclear deal as it expressed readiness to co-operate with all countries on the peaceful use of atomic energy under the IAEA safeguards.
China is ready to "explore co-operation with all countries for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in accordance with the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency," Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told an 11-member Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) from India which called on him here yesterday, delegation sources said.
While Yang did not further speak of possible Sino-India civilian nuclear co-operation, the two governments have already hinted on such a move during Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit to India last year, PTI reported.
"Considering that for both India and China, expansion of civilian nuclear energy programme is an essential and important component of their national energy plans to ensure energy security. The two sides agree to promote co-operation in the field of nuclear energy, consistent with their respective international commitments," the joint declaration issued during Hu's visit had said.
The Indian side to the two-day sixth session of the EPG meeting was led by former Ambassador to China, C V Ranganathan, while the Chinese delegation was headed by the former Vice Foreign Minister, Liu Shuqing.
The Indian side was a little surprised that Yang did not harp on India not being a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), delegation sources said. They said it seemed that China is eagerly looking forward to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's planned visit within this year.
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