President Clinton has formally lifted restrictions on nuclear co-operation with China, opening the way for American companies to bid for contracts in Beijing's nuclear power programme.

The move implements an agreement reached during the visit of the Chinese president, Jiang Zemin, at the end of October.

The White House says Mr Clinton this week signed the documents required by American law, certifying that China is not contributing to the spread of nuclear weapons.

A nuclear co-operation deal had previously been held up by American concern that China was helping Iran and Pakistan with their nuclear programmes.

Congress now has thirty days in which to review the documents.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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