US puts a hold on nuclear accord with China

Washington is holding up a nuclear cooperation agreement with China because of suspicions the Chinese are giving nuclear aid to Pakistan and other nations thought to be developing nuclear weapons, the New York Times said.

Government officials were quoted as saying China may have sold low-enriched uranium to South Africa, and heavy water - required for reactors using natural uranium - to Argentina and possibly India. US officials said the US has received no promise China would adopt safeguards, according to the Times report.