    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 27, 1998]
    [Pages 1076-1077]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement on the Biological Weapons Convention
    June 27, 1998

        Recognizing the threat posed by biological and toxin weapons, the
    United States and China reaffirm their strong support for the complete
    global elimination of biological weapons. As States Parties to the
    Biological Weapons Convention, the two sides stress the importance of
    the Convention to international peace and security, fully support the
    purposes and objectives of the Convention, and favor comprehensively
    strengthening the effectiveness and universality of the Convention.
        The United States and China each reaffirm that they are determined
    to strictly abide by the provisions of the Convention, to earnestly and
    comprehensively fulfill the obligations each has undertaken, shall not
    develop, produce or

    [[Page 1077]]

    stockpile biological weapons under any circumstances and shall oppose
    the proliferation of biological weapons and their technology and
    equipment.
        Both the United States and China support efforts to strengthen the
    effectiveness of the Convention, including the establishment of a
    practical and effective compliance mechanism. In this connection, the
    two sides positively appraise the work of the Ad Hoc Group set up for
    this purpose on negotiating a protocol to the Convention. The two sides
    believe the protocol must include efficient, practical and cost
    effective measures to deter proliferation or violation of the Convention
    and improve transparency. Appropriate measures should be formulated and
    implemented in a manner that takes into account protection of sensitive
    commercial information and legitimate security needs, and in light of
    relevant national laws and regulations. The two sides express their
    desire to cooperate in the negotiations and work together to further
    accelerate an early conclusion of the negotiations on the protocol.
        The United States and China agree that they shall strive to enhance
    bilateral cooperation and exchanges in the field of bio-technology and
    vigorously engage in and promote the peaceful use of biological
    technology.

    Note: The joint statement was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary, but it was not issued as a White House press release.