BEIJING: China on Monday reacted coldly to strong indications that the United States would back India for a membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group , with the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying cautioning that any such move “requires very careful consideration from all member countries”.“We support the group carrying out discussions on admitting new members, and at the same time we encourage India to take next steps to satisfy the relevant standards of the group,” Hua said, indicating India should first accept the Non-Proliferation Treaty before aspiring for a place in the NSG.NSG controls almost all international nuclear trade; its membership enables countries to freely use technology and nuclear material from other nations.The spokeswoman’s statement revealed serious differences between the perceptions of the Chinese government and US President Barack Obama, who has backed India’s case during his ongoing visit to New Delhi.Hua also said the issue is of the 48-member NSG “admitting new members” instead of confining the debate to India. Observers here believe China, which has helped Pakistan build two nuclear power plants, would lobby for a seat for Islamabad in the NSG if the US pushes for India.China’s opposition could hurt India’s chances of joining the NSG because many of its members believe that acceptance of NPT — an international treaty that prevents signatories from acquiring nuclear weapons — is an essential prerequisite. The United States and Britain have backed India regardless.“We believe that such (an) inclusion should be conducive to the integrity and effectiveness of the regime and decision should be made on consensus. We notice India’s commitment to relevant issues,” Hua said, suggesting China seems to think India does not meet all the conditions for a seat in the NSG.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Sunday said President Obama has assured him of strong US efforts in support of India’s full membership of the four international export control regimes at the earliest, and indication of US backing for NSG membership.China is emerging as a major exporter of nuclear technology and would want to control NSG’s membership. By saying that the “decision should be made on consensus”, it has indicated it will play an active role in NSG’s decision making on India’s case.