Don't Let China Break Nuclear Rules

The United States and the 45 other countries that set the global rules on nuclear trade expect to be confronted with Chinese plans to flout those rules by building two reactors in Pakistan. The looming deal is emblematic of Beijing’s growing nuclear assertiveness and also threatens to undermine global nonproliferation efforts championed by President Obama. Washington should be critical of this transaction, but more importantly, the United States should use this opportunity to hold bilateral talks with China on nuclear trade, security and nonproliferation issues.

Beijing has a long history of supporting Pakistan’s nuclear program. But in 2004, China joined the Nuclear Suppliers Group (N.S.G.), the rulemaking body for nuclear trade, and agreed to halt nuclear commerce with states outside the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, including Pakistan.