Asif Ali Zardari to visit China; nuke deal likely

Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari will commence a high level visit to China from July 6 during which the two countries may firm up a deal for supply of two new nuclear reactors to Islamabad, that has raised concerns in Washington and the New Delhi.

Announcing the six-day visit, a foreign ministry spokesperson Qin Gang defended the nuclear cooperation between the two countries. Zardari's visit to China comes close on the heels of a tour of it by Pakistan's powrful army chief Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani.

It will be Zardari's fifth visit to China during which he will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, premier Wen Jiabao and other top leaders.

A Pakistani spokesman said the visit was aimed to strengthen existing close defence, economic and commercial ties.

During the briefing on the visit Qin defended China's developing nuclear energy cooperation with Pakistan and plans to build nuclear reactors saying the move was not aimed at any third country.

The announcement of the Pakistan's President visit here comes as US has asked China to clarify the details of the nuclear reactor deal between the two countries.

India has already raised with China the issue of its supply of two more nuclear reactors to Pakistan.

Besides China, India was also "in touch" with a number of its partner countries from Nuclear Suppliers Group through dialogues and discussions to seek more information on the cooperation between China and Pakistan.

"The civilian nuclear energy cooperation is bilateral and mutually beneficial and it is only between the two countries and not targeting a third country," Qin said, dismissing a question about India's concerns over its plans to build 650 mw reactors at Chashma in Pakistan's Punjab province.

He said that the cooperation was subject to IAEA safeguards and supervision.

His comments came as a US spokesman PJ Crowley said in Washington on Monday that US was seeking more information from China. "We've a view that this initiative if it goes forward, would need the agreement of the nuclear suppliers group.

"During Zardari's visit the two sides will exchange view on further promoting friendly cooperation in various areas," Qin said.

China would "warmly welcome" Pakistan President and look to deepen the strategic cooperation. During his visit, Zardari would hold talks with Chinese President, Hu Jintao.

He would meet prime minister, Wen Jiabao and Jia Qinglin, Politburo Standing Committee Member of the Chinese Communist Party, Central Committee, Qin said.

The two sides will exchange views on concerning bilateral relations, promoting "pragmatic cooperation" in various fields as well as well issues of common interest.

"We hope this visit will further promote China Pakistan strategic partnership and cooperation," he said.

His visit follows this month's visit of Pakistan Army Chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

Asked whether the issues relating to nuclear reactors, which raised concerns both in US and India would come up during Zardari's talks with Chinese leaders, Qin reiterated of repeated China's stand that the nuclear cooperation between the two countries was for civilian use and completely in accordance with international obligations.