Chinese-American Consultations On US Withdrawal From ABM Treaty Held On Monday

The Chinese-American consultations on the issue of the US withdrawal from the 1972 ABM treaty were held last Monday in Beijing. Diplomatic sources told RIA Novosti that the US delegation, which arrived in the PRC capital last weekend, was headed by US secretary of state assistant for arms control Avis Bohlen. He acquainted the Chinese side with the arguments of the US withdrawal from the ABM treaty. According to the same sources, the Chinese participants in the consultations criticised the decision made by the US administration and declared that they regard the ABM treaty as a key element in maintaining strategic balance of forces. At the same time, the Chinese side believes it is necessary to exert every effort for preserving strategic stability throughout the world. The American side said the consultations were fruitful and pointed to the Chinese diplomats' interest in the further consultations on issues of strategic stability and arms control.