16 October 2000
The Information Office of the State Council of China publishes a White Paper titled "China's National Defense in 2000." The document states that "As a state party to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), China has fully and conscientiously fulfilled its obligations under the Convention and has, on an annual basis, provided the United Nations with information on confidence-building measures in this regard." It also states China's position that, in order to strengthen the effectiveness of the BTWC, a rational, just and feasible verification mechanism is necessary. China also supports the promotion of international cooperation and exchanges among state parties in the field of biotechnology for purposes not prohibited by the Convention.
--"China Issues White Paper on National Defence Policy," Xinhua News Agency, 16 October 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15 November 2000
Yoshio Shinozuka, a member of Japan's Unit 731 that conducted biological experiments on Chinese prisoners of war during World War II, testifies in a Tokyo District Court as part of a case where nearly 180 Chinese citizens sued the Japanese government for compensation and an apology for the deaths of family members allegedly killed by Unit 731. In his testimony, Shinozuka states that the Japanese military performed open vivisections without anesthesia in northern China. He also participated in the mass production of cholera, dysentery and typhoid germs in the city of Harbin. A former Unit 731 pilot also testifies that he spread plague-infected fleas from an airplane over Hangzhou in 1940 and Nanjing in 1941.
--Mari Yamaguchi, "Japanese Biological Warfare Veteran Says He Cut Human 'Logs,'" Associated Press, 15 November 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

21 November 2000
Regarding China's position on nonproliferation of biological weapons, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sun Yuxi states that as a signatory to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, China has faithfully carried out its obligations to the treaty.
--"Statement Supporting Weapons Nonproliferation Issued," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, part 3 Asia-Pacific, China and Hong Kong, China, U.S.A./Nonproliferation, FE/D4005/G, 23 November 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 February 2001
Hu Xiaodi, China's Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs, makes a statement to the Ad Hoc Group of States parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention where he stresses that while China consistently promotes the banning of all biological weapons, it also advocates the sharing of biotechnology to "benefit all mankind." Hu calls for an increased effectiveness of the protocol.
--"Statement by Mr. Hu Xiaodi, Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs and Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China, At the Ad Hoc Group of States parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention," Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, 12 February 2001, Geneva, <http://genevamissiontoun.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/11585.html>.

23 April 2001
Hu Xiaodi, China's Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs, addresses the 23rd Session of the Ad Hoc Group of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. Speaking on the Chairman's composite text for the convention's protocol, Hu states that the new text "takes into account concerns of developing countries only as a symbolic gesture and is therefore one-sided". He adds, "Some parts of the composite text are of discriminatory nature and some so-called compromise proposals deviate from the purposes and objectives of the Convention. Therefore, the composite text is still far from a final agreement."
--Statement by Ambassador Hu Xiaodi Head of the Chinese Delegation at the 23rd Session of the BTWC Ad Hoc Group, Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, 23 April 2001, <http://www.china-un.ch/eng/cjjk/cjda/cj2001/t85195.htm>.

8 May 2001
China's Ambassador Hu Xiaodi addresses the 23rd Session of the Ad Hoc Group of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention where he discusses the working paper on export controls submitted by the Chinese delegation. Hu states that, "regulating and guiding international trade in the biological field by establishing a multilateral export control mechanism is not only conducive to the nonproliferation objective of the Convention and the Protocol, but also beneficial to the promotion of economic and trade cooperation and exchanges for peaceful purposes in the biological field." The working paper advocates free transfers of biological agents and equipment for peaceful purposes among States parties. The paper adds that states should have the right to "assess the nonproliferation credentials" of other states.
--Statement By Ambassador Hu Xiaodi Head of the Chinese Delegation at the 23rd Session of the BTWC Ad Hoc Group, Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland, 8 May 2001, Geneva, <http://genevamissiontoun.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/11598.html>.

26 June 2001
Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Iranian President Mohammad Khatami sign a joint communiqué in Beijing, wherein the two sides state their commitment to a world free from nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, and both sides express their support to make the Middle East a nuclear, biological and chemical weapons free zone.
--"Full text of China-Iran Joint Communiqué," Xinhua News Agency, 22 June 2000; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 November 2001
At the Fifth Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, Ambassador Sha Zukang, Head of the Chinese Delegation, states the following:

"The Chinese delegation has always maintained that the conclusion of a balanced and effective protocol through multilateral negotiations is the only feasible way to comprehensively strengthen the effectiveness of the Convention. We are glad to note that the overwhelming majority of States parties still stand for maintaining the existing mechanism and mandate of the ad hoc group and support continued negotiations within the multilateral framework in order to formulate measures for strengthening the effectiveness of the Convention. My delegation is willing to make joint efforts with the international community to this end." Sha also states that China will continue to "promote international cooperation and exchange with other states parties in the peaceful use of biological technology" and it strives to follow "confidence-building measures as agreed upon at previous Review Conferences of the Convention."

24 January 2002
China's Ministry of Public Health is rapidly establishing measures to counter a biochemical terrorist attack by increasing response preparedness and tightening controls over biochemical agents. The Disease Prevention Control Center in Beijing plans to draft a "Nationwide Anthrax and Biological Terrorist Emergency Response and Control Plan." The center is also publishing an "Anthrax Prevention and Treatment Manual" and a "Biological Terrorism Response Manual."
--Yuan Ye, "China Will Strengthen Measures to Protect against Biological and Chemical Terrorist Activities," Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, 24 January 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 January 2002
On 24 January, the United States imposes sanctions on three Chinese companies under the Iran Nonproliferation Act of 2000, which prohibits the sale of chemical and biological weapons components and missile technology to Iran. According to U.S. State Department spokesperson Richard Boucher, restrictions are placed on Liyang Chemical Equipment Company, the China Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Company, and an individual broker and agent named as Q.C. Chen for the transfer to Iran of equipment and technology that is used for the manufacture of chemical and biological weapons. Boucher says that the equipment is on the Australia Group control list. On 25 January, China's Foreign Ministry issues a statement condemning U.S. sanctions.
--"China Urges End to U.S. Sanctions over Weapons Trade with Iran," Agence France Presse, 25 January 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 May 2002
The U.S. government imposes sanctions on eight Chinese companies for engaging in transfers of sensitive equipment under multilateral export control lists to the Middle East. The sales occurred between September 2000 and October 2001 and violated the Iran-Iraq Nonproliferation Act of 1992. The Act bars U.S. companies from conducting business with the sanctioned entities or issuing export licenses to them for two years. U.S. State Department Spokesperson Richard Boucher confirms that the sanctions are solely against the Chinese companies and not the Chinese government. Two of the sanctioned companies, Jiangsu Yongli Chemicals and Technology Import and Export Corp. and CMEC Machinery and Electric Equipment Import and Export Co. Ltd. denied the U.S. allegations.
--George Gedda, "U.S. to Impose Sanctions Against Chinese and Indian Companies over Equipment Sales to Middle East," Associated Press, 19 July 2002; Joe McDonald, "Chinese Companies Deny U.S. Weapons-Proliferation Accusations," Associated Press, 25 July 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Federal Register, 16 May 2002, Vol. 67 No. 95.

29 August 2002
A Tokyo district court rejects a lawsuit by 180 Chinese nationals. The plaintiffs consist of victims and relatives of victims of Japan's infamous Unit 731 that used biological agents on Chinese prisoners of war and civilians during World War II. The plaintiffs demanded ¥10 million each ($83,300) in damages and an apology from the government. The Japanese government rejects the allegations, saying that the individuals have no right to seek compensation under international law. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kong Quan says that China has "noted" the ruling and that "the Japanese side should take an attitude responsible for history and reality."
--"Japan Should 'Take Responsibility' for Wartime Atrocities: China," Agence France Presse, 20 August 2002; "Japanese Court Rejects a Bio Terror Suit by Chinese Victims," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 27 August 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 October 2002
China promulgates the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Dual-Use Biological Agents and Related Equipment and Technologies in order to strengthen its export controls. The law is designed to prevent the illicit trade of dual-use equipment, and permits only licensed entities to participate in such trade.
--"China Serious on Non-Proliferation Issue: FM Spokesperson," Xinhua News Agency, 22 October 2002; "U.S. Welcomes Chinese Rules on Dual-Use Biological Exports," Agence France Presse, 18 October 2002; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 December 2002
China publishes its 2002 Defense White Paper. It states the following regarding biological weapons and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC):

"China has always stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of biological weapons...It supports the enhancement of the effectiveness of the BTWC in a comprehensive manner...China regrets that the protocol has not been reached as scheduled and that the Fifth Review Conference of the Convention had to adjourn. China holds that the conclusion of a protocol with balanced contents and effective measures through multi-lateral negotiations remains the best way to enhance the effectiveness of the BTWC."

19 February 2003
China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) holds a training course for local trade officials on export controls of nuclear, biological and chemical dual-use items, as well as missile-related technology.
--"China Improves Nonproliferation Export Control," Xinhua News Agency, 19 February 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

June 2003
A report entitled Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation and Disarmament Assessment issued by the State Department's Bureau of Verification and Compliance states that the United States believes China was not in compliance with its BWC obligations and continues to maintain some elements of an offensive biological warfare program.
--Department of State, Bureau of Verification and Compliance, Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments, Washington, DC, August 30, 2005, <http://www.state.gov/t/vc/rls/rpt/51977.htm>.

24 July 2003
In her testimony before the U.S.-China Commission, Assistant Secretary for Verification and Compliance, Paula A. DeSutter, states: "The United States believes that China's consistent claims that it has never researched, produced or possessed BW are simply not true - and that China still retains its BW program."
--U.S. Department of State, "China's Record of Proliferation Activities," Paula A. DeSutter, Testimony before the U.S.-China Commission, 24 July 2003, <http://www.state.gov/t/vc/rls/rm/24518.htm>.

2 September 2003
A Chinese official attends the first Asian Crisis Management Conference in Tokyo to discuss countermeasures to terrorist attacks made with biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, sponsored by the Asian Network of Major Cities 21. Participating cities are Bangkok, Beijing, Delhi, Hanoi, Jakarta, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo. Participants discuss the 1995 chemical attack in the Tokyo subway by Aum Shinrikyo along with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, and other issues.
--"Asian cities' meeting discusses crisis management," Xinhua News Service, 2 September 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18-21 October 2003
China and Pakistan conduct a three-day naval exercise off the coast of Shanghai in the East China Sea. The combined maneuvers feature surface vessels and submarines, and include decontamination exercises for nuclear, biological and chemicals weapons attacks. About 1,600 personnel from both sides are involved in the exercises.
--Munir Ahmad, "Pakistan, China Begin Joint Naval Exercise," Associated Press, 21 October 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 November 2003
At a meeting of the signatory countries of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, Hu Xiaodi, Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs of China, asks that signatories strengthen their national legislation, formulate bio-security standards and measures to prevent pathogens and toxins from being used to produce biological weapons. Hu also points to the importance of working under a multilateral framework, given the rapid development of biotechnology and a growing threat of bio-terrorism. He states that in maintaining its obligations to the Convention, China will continue to strengthen legislation, law enforcement, and monitoring in related areas.
--"Chinese Envoy Urges Countries to Strengthen Laws against Bio-Weapons," BBC Monitoring Reports, 12 November 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 December 2003
China publishes a White Paper entitled "China's Nonproliferation Policy and Measures." According to the White Paper, China plans to enforce several procedures and penalties to prevent companies from transferring dual-use items that could be used to make biological and chemical weapons.
--Ted Anthony, "China Promises to Follow International Rules on Weapons Proliferation, Sideswipes U.S.," Associated Press, 3 December 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 March 2004
Chinese and Japanese governments begin a seminar on improving export controls. The seminar will explore methods to quickly detect products that can be used for the production of biological, chemical and nuclear weapons. China and Japan are conducting the seminar as part of coordinated efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
--"Japan, China Team Up on WMD Control," International Herald Tribune, Japan, 1 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

30-31 March 2004
China participates in the Second Inter-Sessional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime, a two-day meeting of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) in Manila. The meeting aims to boost co-operation in anti-terrorism efforts in the transport sector through protection of travel documents and visa systems, transportation of arms, explosives and bio-chemical weapons, as well as an increase in exchange of information on terrorist groups and related activities.
--"ARF Agrees to Boost Co-operation in Combating Terrorism in Transport Sector," Agence France Presse, 31 March 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 April 2004
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopts Resolution 1540 proposed by the United States to prevent weapons of mass destruction from reaching terrorists. The resolution requires that all member states legislate to prohibit the manufacture, acquisition, possession, development, transport, transfer and utilization of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons by individuals and non-government groups. As a permanent member of the UNSC, China adopts the resolution, but Wang Guangya, Chinese permanent representative to the UN, calls for guarantees that countries continue to be able to share dual-use scientific and technological knowledge, materials and equipment in a legitimate manner.
--"China's UN Envoy Urges Realization of Non-Proliferation Goal by Peaceful Means," BBC Monitoring Worldwide Reports, 29 April 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 July 2004
China sends experts to a conference on terrorism in Kuala Lumpur. The conference is organized by the Japanese government and the Kuala Lumpur-based Southeast Asia Regional Center for Counter-Terrorism. Weapons experts, security officials and policy-makers discuss chemical and bioterrorism threats from terrorist groups such as al Qaeda and the Jemaah Islamiyah. The conference seeks to enhance East Asian security against bio-terrorism.
--"Japan, Malaysia to Co-Chair Forum on Bio-Terrorism 5 July," BBC Monitoring International Reports/Kyodo News Service, 29 June 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Japan Center for International Exchange, Dialogue and Research Monitor, Inventory of Multilateral Meetings on Asia Pacific Security and Human Security Issues and Community Building, <http://www.jcie.or.jp/drm/track1.html>.

16 July 2004
The Department of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army issues a document titled "Provisions on the Appraisal of the Overall Protective Abilities for Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons off Divisions, Brigades and Regiments of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Land Army." The document lays out rules intended to strengthen the army's ability to defend itself against weapons of mass destruction.
--"Chinese Military Issues Document on Army's Defence against WMD," BBC Worldwide Monitoring/Xinhua News Agency, 16 July 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 October 2004
As a member of the "Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia" (CICA), an international security forum in Central Asia, China endorses "multilateral approaches based on the widest possible international support" to deal with security problems in the international arena. Regarding biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, the conference calls upon states to fulfill their respective obligations to disarmament and nonproliferation.
--Siddharth Varadarajan, "Asian Conference Approves CBMs," The Hindu, India, 24 October 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 November 2004
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-Bian pledges that Taiwan will never develop weapons of mass destruction and urges China to do the same. During a national security meeting, Chen pledges that Taiwan will never develop chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and that such weapons should be kept out of the Taiwan Strait.
--"Chen Vows to Avoid WMDs, Urges China to do Same," China Post, 11 November 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 December 2004
At the United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Hu Xiaodi, Chinese Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs, speaks favorably of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). He states that the BTWC "plays a key role in eliminating the threat of and preventing proliferation of biological weapons." Hu says that there is an urgency to strengthen the BTWC, given the increasing threat of bio-terrorism and the trans-boundary prevalence of infectious diseases. He points to the need for effective surveillance and response systems "taking into account [the] national situation and international standards and guidelines."
--"China Stresses Urgency of Strengthening Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention," Xinhua News Agency, 6 December 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 December 2004
Chinese and European leaders hold their seventh summit meeting at The Hague. Together they issue the "China-EU Joint Declaration on Non-Proliferation and Arms Control." In regards to biological weapons, both sides agree that the prevention of biological weapons proliferation "should not hamper international cooperation in materials, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes while goals of peaceful utilization should not be used as a cover for proliferation." Both reaffirm their commitment to the Biological and Toxic Weapons Convention and promote universalization and active participation of countries in the Convention. They also promote "exchange of information, sharing expertise and cooperation" in bio-security and surveillance of epidemic diseases.
--"'Text' of China-EU Joint Declaration on Non-Proliferation, Arms Control," Xinhua News Agency via BBC Monitoring International Reports, 9 December 2004; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 July 2005
In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry called on Japan to acknowledge its use of biological warfare in China during WWII, and take appropriate measures to atone for its crimes. "Germ warfare is one of the serious crimes committed by the Japanese militarism during World War II. The Japanese government should hold an honest attitude to bear the responsibility...It should sincerely deal with the reasonable demands of the victims and properly handle this issue." The day before, the Tokyo High Court dismissed an appeal brought by 180 Chinese plaintiffs against the Japanese government seeking compensation for the harm sustained from Japanese biological weapons. The presiding judge in the case, Yukio Ota, acknowledged the use of biological weapons against China by Japan, but cited the lack of a legal mechanism for individuals to sue governments as a basis for the court's decision, stating there were "no rules that allow individuals to directly demand damages from perpetrating countries."
--"Japan High Court Rejects Damages for Chinese Germ Warfare Victims," Xinhua General News Service, 19 July, 2005; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>; "China Demands Japan Take Responsibility for Germ Warfare," Agence France Presse, 20 July 2005; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexisnexis.com>.

30 August 2005
The Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation and Disarmament Assessment report by the Bureau of Verification and Compliance states that China submitted inaccurate and misleading information in its voluntary annual BWC CBM data declaration.
--Department of State, Bureau of Verification and Compliance, Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments, Washington, DC, 30 August 2005, <http://www.state.gov/t/vc/rls/rpt/51977.htm>.

1 September 2005
The Information Office of China's State Council issued a white paper entitled "China's Endeavors for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation." The white paper reiterates China's call for the complete prohibition and nonproliferation of biological weapons. China also calls for multilateral processes aimed at strengthening the BWC, as well as greater country participation in confidence-building measures (CBMs).
--Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, "China's Endeavors for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation, Beijing, 1 September 2005, <http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/book/140320.htm>.

June 2006
In Beijing, Chinese officials representing several government ministries participate in negotiations with a delegation from the Australia Group (AG). The negotiations may establish the foundation for China's future membership in the AG.
--Jay Philip Nash, Richard Glen Young, "East Asian Export Control Update: Continued Development of Key Supplier and Transit States," International Export Control Observer, March/April 2007, p. 16, <http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/observer/pdfs/ieco_10e.pdf>.

14 September 2006
In testimony before the US Congress, US officials expressed concern over China's commitment to the nonproliferation of biological weapons. Assistant Secretary of State for Verification, Compliance, and Implementation Paula DeSutter stated, "We maintain reservations about China's current research activities and dual-use capabilities, which raise the possibility that sophisticated BW and CW work could be underway. [...] We also continue to believe that China maintains some elements of an offensive BW capability in violation of its BWC obligations." The next day, the Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly refuted the claims.
--US Congress, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, "China's Proliferation to North Korea and Iran, and Its Role in Addressing the Nuclear and Missile Situation in Both Nations," 109th Cong., 2nd sess., September 14, 2006, p. 10; "China Exclusive: China Refutes U.S. Officials' Criticism on Nonproliferation," Xinhua General News Service, 15 September 2006; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 November 2006
At the 6th Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), Ambassador Cheng Jingye, head of the Chinese delegation at the conference, called on States Parties to participate more actively in voluntary confidence-building measures (CBMs). Ambassador Cheng also emphasized the need to strike a balance between nonproliferation of biological weapons materials and technology and the rights of developing nations to develop biotechnology industries, stating "Promotion of international exchanges and cooperation in the peaceful uses of biotechnology remains one of the objectives of the Convention. It should go in parallel with bio-arms control and non-proliferation and prevention of bio-terrorism." Among the accomplishments of the 6th Review Conference is the establishment of an Implementation Support Unit (ISU) at the UN.
--Cheng Jingye, Statement at the 6th Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction (BWC), Geneva, 20 November 2006, <http://www.china-un.ch/eng/cjjk/default.htm>.

29 December 2006
China releases national defense white paper that summarizes and reiterates major themes of 2005 white paper on arms control and nonproliferation. With respect to biological weapons, the document states, "China supports multilateral efforts aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Biological Weapons Convention. It has attended review conferences, annual meeting of States Parties and meetings of the Ad Hoc Group of Government Experts in an active and responsible manner. China has also submitted in a timely fashion [...] declarations regarding confidence-building measures under the [BWC]."
--Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, "China's National Defense in 2006," Beijing, 29 December 2006, <http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/book/194421.htm>.

10 May 2007
In two decisions, Japan's Supreme Court ruled against Chinese plaintiffs suing the Japanese government for compensation for Japanese atrocities committed against China in World War II, including the use of biological weapons and human experimentation on Chinese citizens at the hands of a Japanese biological warfare unit (Unit 731). Ten of the 180 plaintiffs were survivors of the experiments, while the rest were relatives of victims. The plaintiffs denounced the court's decision as an injustice, and vowed to continue seeking compensation and a public apology.
--Hiroko Tabuchi, "Japan's Top Court Denies Compensation to Chinese over WWII Germ Warfare," Associated Press, May 10, 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexisnexis.com>; "Germ Warfare Victims to Fight On For Redress," China Daily, 21 May 2007; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexisnexis.com>.

20 August 2007
A "Meeting of Experts," including representatives from 90 States Parties to the BWC and 5 signatory states, begins in Geneva to discuss strategies to strengthen the BWC. China sends a delegation headed by Ambassador Cheng Jingye, who reiterated China's support for the Implementation Support Unit and international cooperation in implementing the treaty. Ambassador Cheng stated, "China supports cooperation on national implementation at international, regional, and sub-regional levels. States Parties should, on the basis of equality, cooperation and mutual respect, provide assistance to those countries in need through technological exchanges, financial support and regional workshop[s], to help improve implementation capacity."
--Cheng Jingye, Statement at the Meeting of Experts to the Biological Weapons Convention, Geneva, August 20, 2007, <http://www.china-un.ch/eng/cjjk/default.htm>; Richard Weitz, "Experts Offer Extraterritorial Enforcement of Domestic Laws, Tighter Export Controls, Regional Cooperation to Improve Implementation of Biological Weapons Convention," WMD Insights, October 2007, <http:/www.wmdinsights.com/I19/I19_EU1_ExpertsOffer.htm>.

	Updated December 2007