US report questions China's role in peaceful world

WASHINGTON, Oct 30 (Reuters) Despite China's rising power and wealth, it may not be willing or ready to play a responsible role in an international system aimed at encouraging peace and stability, a US congressional commission said in report released today.

The report, obtained by Reuters, concluded that China's adherence to its World Trade Organization obligations remains ''spotty and halting'' five years after it attained membership and its commitment to its geopolitical responsibilities ''is even more in question.'' ''China's continuing record of proliferation, including its indulgence of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and its involvement in Iran's programs, is deeply destabilizing,'' said the report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

''And China's apparent willingness to value its own energy needs above the needs of international security is indicative of a nation as yet unprepared or unwilling to shoulder the burdens of a stakeholder state,'' it said. The Bush administration uses the term ''stakeholder state'' to describe its aim in having China not just adhere to international rules but promote and strengthen them.

This is the fourth annual report issued by the commission which was created by Congress to examine the national security implications of the US-China bilateral trade and economic relationship. The commission has been controversial because of concerns its members tend to be critical of China.

REUTERS PDM RK2137