China has emphasized the importance of building consensus for the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) to grant membership to applicants. Beijing is opposing a bid made by India for inclusion into the 48-nation exclusive group. The bid is supported by the United States.

China's statement comes ahead of a vote to select new members that will join the group. One of the most prominent countries vying for NSG inclusion is India, which is not a signatory of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Apart from China, India's bid is being opposed by other countries such as Austria, South Africa and Turkey on the grounds that New Delhi is not a signatory of the NPT.

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In an online statement released on Sunday, Hong Lei, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, said, "With regard to what to do on the issue of non-NPT signatories joining (the NSG), China consistently supports having ample discussion on this to seek consensus and agreement and come to a unanimous decision."

Hong emphasized that the NPT is important for maintaining an international system for non-proliferation in place. He said that while there are 'large differences' over the issue of non-signatories of the NPT joining the Nuclear Supplier Group, China is willing to engage in talks to reach a consensus.

China has voiced unwillingness to let India join the group as the admission may set the wrong precedence for future applicants.

However, critics have highlighted China's close relationship with Pakistan as another reason for the decision to block India's bid to join the NSG.

The Nuclear Supplier Group is likely to make decision about India's application for membership on June 20 at a plenary meeting in Seoul, South Korea. The NSG aims to regulate the trade of items which may be used for building nuclear arms.

TagsNuclear Supplier Group, china, India