Gov't Should Have Expected Chinese Nuc Test

[The.Greenbase@gb.greenpeace.org]

GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE EXPECTED CHINESE WEAPONS TEST


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                   GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE EXPECTED CHINESE WEAPONS TEST


Sydney, 15 May, 1995 (GP): Greenpeace today said that China's
most recent nuclear weapons test whilst unacceptable, was to
be expected. The group said that last week's failure of the
conference on the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to
set a firm timetable for disarmament, set the stage for
continuation of a number of nuclear activities including
weapons testing.

"Australia's position at the NPT meeting signalled to China
and the other weapons states that the status quo would remain
in place." Jean McSorley, nuclear campaigner, said "For China,
already engaged in a testing program, that meant carry on as
usual."

"Whether Evans likes it or not, some of the blame for the
current Chinese testing and for the threat of renewed testing
by France, must lie at his door." said McSorley

Greenpeace said the Australian government had done little to
instigate firm disarmament measures at the recent New York
meeting, and that Canberra should not be surprised at
Beijing's audacity in testing so soon after the NPT debate had
ended.
The Chinese test is one of a series which has delayed
finalisation of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, a key issue
of contention between nuclear and non-nuclear states. Threats
by the new french President Jacques Chirac, that France might
resume testing in the South Pacific, have fuelled fears that a
test ban may not happen by the end of the decade. Australian
diplomats trying to win support for the nuclear states at the
NPT
conference, insisted that the test ban would be in place by
1996.
The test, which is estimated by the Australian Seismological
Bureau to range between 40-150 kilotons, took place at this
afternoon. The Chinese have yet to confirm the size or
location of the test, but it is believed to have taken place
at their Lop Nor nuclear weapons test facility.

"China's continued testing may provide a justification France
to renew testing. Chances of a complete test ban being
achieved are rapidly being derailed " McSorley said.

"That the Chinese have chosen to conduct their weapons test so
soon after the closing of the NPT debate is a measure of how
arrogant the nuclear weapons states are that they will not be
challenged. By supporting indefinite extension of the NPT,
which recognises only five nuclear weapons states, Australia
has helped to legitimise an elite nuclear club."

FOR FURTHER COMMENT: Jean McSorley (w) 02- 211-4066 / H
02-568-3265 or Ben Pearson (H) 02- 398-3691