China says members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group need to hold more talks to determine which countries can join the group.
The NSG controls access to sensitive nuclear technology and India is eager to join. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said many members oppose membership for countries that haven't signed the Non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty -- a major global arms control pact.
India has developed atomic weapons but has never signed the NPT. New Zealand, Turkey, South Africa and Austria have already spoken out against Indian membership. They argue that granting India membership could undermine efforts to prevent nuclear arms proliferation.