China to provide two more nuclear reactors to Pakistan

China has privately agreed to follow a ‘step-by-step’ approach to fulfilling Pakistan’s aspiration for an expanded nuclear energy programme, rather than sign an ambitious civil nuclear programme of the kind recently struck between the US and India.

Official sources said here Saturday that discussions have been held on expanded nuclear co-operation between President Asif Zardari and Chinese leaders during Zardari’s four-day visit to China. Zardari arrived back in Pakistan late Friday night.

A senior Pakistani official, privy to the discussions, said China had agreed to “consider further nuclear power reactors to fulfil our needs. The relationship on the nuclear issue remains intact. There is now a complete understanding on our future co-operation."

Other sources say China is interested in maintaining a stable relationship with Pakistan for a number of reasons. “China sees its relationship with Pakistan as a way to counter-balance growing US ties with India,” an official said.

He said China was eager to avoid a direct confrontation with the West on its nuclear energy co-operation with Pakistan. “China is not seeking a head-on clash with anyone. It wants to broaden its relations with Pakistan but without the risk of a stiff US reaction,” the official said.