American and Chinese officials were trying to reach a number of important agreements. America was seeking a written guarantee that China would end nuclear cooperation with Iran. America believes that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons, and may try to use Chinese nuclear technology for that purpose.
China states that it is abiding by nuclear non-proliferation treaties.
At stake is up to 15 billion dollars' worth of sales of nuclear technology that American companies would like to sell to China, which can only go ahead if America and China can reach agreement. A 1985 agreement on nuclear cooperation between the US and China has never gone into effect because of concerns over Chinese sales of nuclear technology to Iran and Pakistan. America would also like China to end sales of conventional weapons to Iran, in particular cruise missiles. China insists that export of conventional weapons to the Middle East does not violate any UN agreements. Use your browser's Back button to return to the previous page.