Frank Pallone: “earlier this year I stood in this Chamber and expressed my concern regarding the administration's certification that…”

“earlier this year I stood in this Chamber and expressed my concern regarding the administration's certification that China had provided clear and unequivocal assurances that it was not either directly or indirectly assisting nonnuclear weapon states, and the states that I used as an example were Pakistan and Iran, in the acquisition of nuclear explosive devices. I had pointed out that this was the first time in 12 years that a U.S. President had granted such a certification. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, the administration officials in China reaffirmed their claim that China had kept its pledge. They had accepted the Chinese assurances that they have not helped Iran build nuclear weapons. They were, however, concerned about Chinese missile sales to Tehran. They also declined to discuss a foiled plan by a Chinese firm to sell Iran a chemical that could be used in the enrichment of uranium for nuclear weapons. Sources have said that the meeting between the administration and the Chinese Government was to work out an agreement to give China access to Washington's more advanced missile technology if the Chinese agree not to export missiles to Iran and Pakistan. Mr. Speaker, I must express tonight my concern regarding statements made by the administration regarding nuclear technology and China. As many Members of this body are aware, China is a major supplier of weapons of mass destruction, nuclear and missile technology.”