20 January 1998
During a meeting between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Defense Secretary William S. Cohen in Beijing, Jiang gives concrete assurances that China will stop sales of C-802 and C-801 anti-ship cruise missiles to Iran. Cohen, who pressed for the assurances, says this will help assure the security of US ships in the Persian Gulf. The assurances come in the wake of US congressional pressure for President Clinton to take a firmer stance on the issue of Chinese weapons proliferation, and a previous US-China summit agreement to halt the missile exports.
--Bill Gertz, "China to Halt Missile Sales to Iran; Cohen Counterpart Backs Up Promise Made at Summit," The Washington Times, 20 January, 1998, in
LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>; Bill Gertz, "Chinese President Vows to Halt Missiles to Iran," The Washington Times, 21 January, 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

12 March 1998
A leaked intelligence memo states that the Clinton administration plans to offer China advanced missile technology, expanded commercial and scientific space co-operation, and support for their bid to enter into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). In exchange, China would agree to provide assurances that it will not to help Pakistan and Iran with their missile development programs. The deal would waive sanctions imposed for human rights violations from the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident. Proponents of the deal say that it would help curb weapons proliferation and encourage commercial ties between the US and China, but critics point to China's previous violations of MTCR rules, which it had pledged to follow in the past.
--Tim Weiner, "US Weighs Deal to Halt Missile-Gear Sales to China," The New York Times, 19 March, 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>; Tom Rhodes, James Pringle, "US Offers China Missile Aid in Return for Arms Export Curb," The Times, 19 March 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

March 27 1998
US Pentagon officials announce that China is developing a new short-range missile called the CSSX-7 (Dong Feng-11), a nuclear-capable two-stage solid propellant missile with a range greater than 185 miles.
--Bill Gertz, "Pentagon Confirms Details on Iranian Missiles; Russia, China Provided Technology," The Washington Times, 27 March 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

7 April 1998
The Russian company Progress starts production of about 50 3M-80E Moskit (Sunburn) anti-ship cruise missiles for sale to China. A Russian defense sector official states that the missiles, along with two Sovremenny-class destroyers, are expected to be delivered in late 1999. According to retired US Navy rear admiral Eric McVadon, the weapons represent technology an "order of magnitude" superior to Taiwan's current capabilities.
--"Russian Firm Starts Turning out Missiles for China," ITAR-TASS News Agency, 7 April 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>

13 April 1998
The New York Times references an unreleased 1997 Pentagon report stating that two US companies, Hughes Electronics and Loral Space and Communications, had shared advanced missile guidance technology with China that significantly aided the guidance and control aspects of its long-range missile program. The information had been given while searching for a technical problem that caused a Chinese-boosted Loral satellite to explode during take-off from a Chinese launch site in 1996. The report concluded that because of the transfer, "US national security has been harmed."
--Jeff Gerth, "US Business Role in Policy on China is Under Question," The New York Times, 13 April, 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

1, 2 May 1998
According to a CIA report, 13 of China's 18 CSS-4 long-range strategic missiles are armed with nuclear warheads and targeting US cities. The report states that this configuration indicates that China regards the US as its "major strategic adversary." On a 2 May CNN program, Defense Secretary William S. Cohen responds by saying that the Chinese missile threat was not a major concern, and expressed confidence in Sino-US relations and the US nuclear deterrent.
--Bill Gertz, "China Targets Nukes at US; CIA Missile Report Contradicts Clinton," The Washington Times, 1 May 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>; Joyce Howard Price, "Cohen Not Bothered by China's Missiles; Plenty of Ability to Retaliate," The Washington Times, 3 May, 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

20 May 1998
The US House of Representatives votes to stop American exports of satellites and satellite technology that could improve the accuracy of Chinese long-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. The vote challenges President Clinton's decision to waive sanctions imposed on China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident.
--Eric Schmitt, "House Votes to Prohibit Satellite Exports to China," The New York Times, 21 May 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

16 June 1998
The Washington Times divulges details of a 27 May intelligence report on continuing discussions between China and Iran about sales of missile technology. The Chinese assistance will help Iran develop two medium-range ballistic missile systems, the Shahab-3 and Shahab-4, and a short-range missile system, the NP-110. The same Washington Times report discloses a 14 May intelligence report on a visit to Libya by Chinese missile technicians, purportedly to assist with a Libyan missile program.
--Bill Gertz, "China Assists Iran, Libya on Missiles; New Findings Contradict White House," The Washington Times, 16 June, 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

27 June 1998
Chinese President Jiang Zemin and President Clinton agree to redirect ballistic missiles aimed at each other's cities at a 25 June - 2 July summit meeting in Beijing. In the framework of spiraling South Asia tensions, the two presidents also agree on a joint statement pledging not to export any nuclear-capable medium- and long-range missiles to India or Pakistan. Also at the summit, President Zemin assents to "actively study" joining the Missile Technology Control Regime.
--John M. Broder, "Clinton in China: The Overview; Tiananmen Comment Leads to Clinton-Jiang Debate," The New York Times, 27 June, 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

14 July 1998
The Washington Times releases details of an intelligence report stating that Sino-US collaboration on rocket/satellite technology in 1996 may form a "technology bridge" to enable China to deploy multiple re-entry vehicles on strategic missiles. The report speculates that the multiple-warhead technology could be adapted for use with CSS-4 or Dong Feng-41 missiles.
--Bill Gertz, "US Technology Builds ‘Bridge' for China Missile; Beijing Could Be Able to Deploy Multiple Warheads," The Washington Times, 14 July 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

21 July 1998
Pentagon intelligence officials tell The Washington Times that China will add 8 new CSS-4 Mod 2 (Dong Feng-5a) ICBMs to its stockpile by the end of this year, adding to the 18 nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missiles the CIA reported China has already deployed.
--Bill Gertz, "China Adds 6 ICBMs to Arsenal; Plans 2 More Before Moving its Only Plant," The Washington Times, 21 July 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

12 November 1998
US officials protest missile technology transfers from China to Iran at a Beijing meeting to discuss the MTCR. According to US intelligence and national security officials, transfers included telemetry equipment used in testing medium-range missiles, like the Iranian Shahbab-3, or short-range tactical missiles. At the same meeting, Chinese officials protest Taiwan plans to acquire US anti-missile systems as a violation of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.
--Bill Gertz, "US Protests China Arms Move; Shipment of Missile Technology to Iran Causes Concern," The Washington Times, 7 December 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

10 December 1998
According to the Pakistani newspaper Ausaf, Chinese officials and members of the Afghan Taleban government come to a military accord, allowing Chinese experts access to examine intact, unexploded US cruise missiles in Afghanistan.
--Ausaf, "Taleban, China Sign Defense Accord; Chinese Examine US Missiles," in BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 12 December 1998, in LexisNexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

12 January 1999
A Chinese foreign ministry official calls for a broadening of the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty into a multi-lateral accord including nations other than the US and Russia. The shift in policy reflects the Clinton administration's recent efforts to continue research on possible national and theater missile defense systems, and repercussions such systems would have on Sino-Japanese and Cross-Straits relations. According to the official, development of an Anti-Ballistic Missile system may result in China developing more powerful and capable missiles.
--Stephen Fidler and Tony Walker, "China Urges Broadening of Missile Treaty," Financial Times, 13 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>; "China in Missile Warning," Courier Mail, 14 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

26 January 1999
A Pentagon intelligence report says that the Chinese military conducted exercises in December 1998, simulating missile attacks on Taiwan and US troops in Japan and Korea. According to the report, the simulated firings of CSS-5 (Dong Feng-21) and CSS-2 (Dong Feng-3) missiles "are a sign that China is willing to go to war with the US over the issue of Taiwan."
--Bill Gertz, "Chinese Exercise Targets Taiwan; Missile Practice Aims at US Forces," The Washington Times, 26 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

26 January 1999
The Taiwanese newspaper China News reports that a new Patriot missile base will open in Taiwan over the Chinese New Year holiday, in response to the threat from mainland Chinese M-class missiles.
--"Missile Base To Open Over Lunar New Year," China News, 26 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

9 February 1999
According to Taiwanese Defense Minister Tang Fei, China is making significant progress in developing a cruise missile capability. At his first conference as defense minister, Tang says that the new Chinese cruise missiles are similar to US Tomahawks and Russian SS-N-22s, and that cruise missiles "will eventually pose a far greater threat than ballistic and nuclear arms."
--Central News Agency, "New Defense Minister on Chinese Cruise Missile Threat," in BBC Monitoring, 11 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

10 February 1999
According to Taiwanese officials, the Chinese military deploys more than 100 additional ballistic missiles along the Straits of Taiwan. The new missiles triple the previous number deployed in that region, and according to officials, is a clear response to discussions of a US "missile defense umbrella" that would cover Taiwan.
--John Pomfret, "China Aims More Missiles At Taiwan; US Defense Concept Infuriates Beijing," The Washington Post, 11 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

25 February 1999
The Pentagon releases a report, which concludes that the diversion of China's missiles and other military resources to the Taiwan Straits region is shifting the balance of power between China and Taiwan in China's favor. The report states that the Chinese military's current goals include further development of advanced anti-ship cruise missiles, long-range land attack cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles, as well as acquiring missile defenses, space weapons, and "information warfare" capabilities. According to the report, "by 2005, China's People's Liberation Army will possess the capability to attack Taiwan with air and missile strikes which would degrade key military facilities and damage the island's economic infrastructure."
--Bill Gertz, "China Strengthens Position Near Taiwan; Missile Movements Worry Pentagon," The Washington Times, 26 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

5 March 1999
A senior Chinese official states at a press conference that the US providing Taiwan with missile defense equipment could be the last straw in US-China relations. The recent transfer of Patriot anti-missile systems, as well as the anticipated sale of Aegis destroyers, would enhance Taiwan's anti-missile capabilities. The official also noted that closer US ties with Taiwan and Japan would amount to a policy of containment.
--John Pomfret, "Chinese Warn US Not to Arm Taiwan; Official Says Transfer of Missile Defenses Could Be ‘Last Straw'," The Washington Post, 6 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

8 March 1999
Energy Secretary Bill Richardson orders the firing of Wen Ho Lee, a Chinese-American weapons designer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, over allegations of providing information about the US-designed W-88 warhead to the Chinese government in the late 1980s. The W-88 is the US arsenal's most advanced miniaturized warhead.
--Walter Pincus, "Spy Suspect Fired at Los Alamos Lab," The Washington Post, 9 March 1999, in Proquest, <www.proquest.com>; David E. Sanger and Erik Eckholm, "Will Beijing's Nuclear Arsenal Stay Small or Will It Mushroom?" The New York Times, 15 March 1999, in Proquest, <www.proquest.com>.

7 April 1999
According to a Wisconsin Project for Arms Control report, military technology transferred to China since 1988 through legal export channels amount to more of a security threat than the recent allegations of Chinese espionage to acquire US warhead and reentry vehicle designs. Among other technology, the report cites precision machine tools and vibration testing gear - components used to develop C-802 and C-801 cruise missiles, and other types of long-range missiles.
--Bill Gertz, "China Gains From US Nuke Sales; Report Says Military Exports More Damaging Than Thefts," The Washington Times, 7 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>; Walter Pincus and Vernon Loeb, "Chinese Stole Data on Reentry Vehicles; US Intelligence Assesses Losses," The Washington Post, 22 April, 1999, in Proquest, <www.proquest.com>.

25 May 1999
In the Cox Report, a US congressional panel comes to the conclusion that China has stolen plans for missiles and guidance systems for some of the most sophisticated weapons systems in the US arsenal. The technology may have been a factor in improved guidance and design for the Chinese Long March rocket, which may also be used for launching long-range missiles. In addition, US designed miniaturization technology could give China the capability to equip mobile-platform launched missiles like the Dong Feng-31 with nuclear warheads. Also, the report concludes that China plans to add up to 100 more ICBMs to their deployed missile force within the next 15 years, a significant increase from the current estimate of around 30.
--John J. Fialka, "Chinese Stole High-Level Nuclear Data," The Wall Street Journal, 25 May 1999, in Proquest, <www.proquest.com>; Walter Pincus, "China May Add 100 Missiles Over 15 Years," The Washington Post, 26 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>; Stephen Fidler and James Kynge, "China Could Use Stolen US N-technology in Three Years, Long Awaited Congressional Report Warns Beijing Could Soon Launch Missiles From Mobile Silos," Financial Times, 26 May, 1999, in Proquest, <www.proquest.com>.

20 July 1999
According to an intelligence report cited in The Washington Times, Beijing is allowing an increase in transfers of missile components and possibly some US-origin technology to North Korea, in response to the NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia earlier this year. According to a report in a Hong Kong newspaper, unexploded cruise missiles recovered from the same embassy attack also may have provided China the chance to extract advanced technology to enhance their cruise missile program.
--Bill Gertz, "Missile Parts Sent to North Korea by Chinese Companies; Response to Embassy Bombing Seen," The Washington Times, 20 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>; Tai Yang Pao website, "Chinese Cruise Missiles Only Five Years Behind USA – Hong Kong Press," in BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 23 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

3 August 1999
A Xinhua news report states that China tested a new ground-to-ground long-range missile. US military experts say it was probably the Dong Feng-31, a mobile-platform missile able to deliver a 1,500-pound nuclear warhead a distance of 5,000 miles.
--Seth Faison, "In Unusual Announcement, China Tells of a Missile Test," The New York Times, 3 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

15 September 1999
The Hong Kong Standard reports on a new unclassified US intelligence report that China transferred M-11 short-range ballistic missiles to Pakistan. US State Department Deputy Spokesman James Foley says that the transfers could lead to additional sanctions under export control laws.
--"Chinese Missiles Supplied to Pakistan," Hong Kong Standard, 15 September 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>; "US Determines Imposing Sanctions on China, Pakistan for Missile Transfers," The Times of India, 16 September 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

1 October 1999
Along with its new Dong Feng-31, China parades a new version of its short-range M-11 missile at the National Day military parade. The new missile, also called the CSS-7 Mod 2, has a longer range, larger warhead, and greater accuracy than earlier M-11s, and is being deployed in large numbers in the Taiwan straits region.
--Bill Gertz and Rowan Scarborough, "Inside the Ring," The Washington Times, 8 October 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, <www.lexisnexis.com>.

8 December 1999
At a National Defense Industrial Association luncheon in Washington, D.C., a Chinese defense official announces Chinese military plans to deploy a modified version of the Dong Feng-31, called the Ju Lang-2, on its ballistic missile submarines.
--Pennington Way IV, "Chinese Official: New DF-31 Missile To Go On Submarines," Defense Daily, 9 December 1999, in Proquest, <www.proquest.com>.

	Updated June 2008