China has put in place a comprehensive legal system for non-proliferation export control, says a white paper issued by the Information Office of the State Council on Monday.

Such a legal system covers "the exports of nuclear, biological, chemical, missile and other sensitive items and technologies," the white paper says.

In recent years, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery have become major factors affecting the international security. "China resolutely opposes the proliferation of WMD,and pursues a policy of not supporting, not encouraging and not assisting other countries to develop WMD," says the white paper titled China's National Defense in 2004.

China's non-proliferation export control measures are basically in conformity with the current international practice, says the white paper.

It has adopted the international export control measures, including export registration system, end-user and end-use certification system, licensing system, list control method and "catch-all" principle, and has stipulated corresponding penalties for breaches of these laws and regulations, the white paper says.

According to the white paper, the relevant departments in China have adopted and will continue to adopt forceful measures to ensure the implementation of the relevant regulations and laws.

China has set up an inter-agency approval and coordination mechanism and a national expert supporting system for export control, and has promulgated the Export Licensing Catalogue of Sensitive Items and Technologies.

China is also revising the related regulations on non-proliferation export control and the corresponding control lists, and has set up an emergency coordination mechanism in order to promptly and effectively handle proliferation contingencies, according to the white paper.

China actively develops relations with relevant multilateral export-control regimes. It has formally joined the Nuclear Suppliers Group and has applied for its accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime, says the white paper.

Besides, China is in favor that the United Nations plays its due role in the non-proliferation field, and takes an open attitude toward all proposals that may help safeguard and strengthen the international non-proliferation regime.