AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE,
Washington: US President George W. Bush authorized Friday the export to China of certain sensitive equipment for a railroad project, saying it would not pose a threat to the US space industry.
Bush told Congress that the export of 36 accelerometers to China's Ministry of Railways for use in a railroad track geometry measuring system “is not deterimental to the US space industry,” the White House said in a statement.
Accelerometers are instruments used to track speed.
Bush said “the material and equipment, including any indirect technical benefit that could be derived from such export, will not measurably improve the missile or space launch capabilities” of China.
The US leader has to give clearance for such exports under a national defense law.
The United States is concerned over China's military-buildup and that Beijing may use its manned space program to achieve its military ambitions.
