A senior Chinese arms control official on Monday called for effective measures to prevent and combat nuclear terrorism. He warned this had become an urgent task for the international community.

Addressing the first meeting of 12 initial member countries of a new anti-nuclear terror initiative, Zhang Yan, director-general of the arms control department of the Foreign Ministry, said China has consistently opposed all kinds of terrorism, and fully supports international efforts against it.

China, the United Sates, Russia and nine other countries held their first meeting in Rabat to begin implementing the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism.

The initiative was announced by US President George W. Bush and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in July at the Group of Eight summit in St Petersburg. It aims to provide guidelines for keeping track of nuclear substances, ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities, and combating trafficking that could place nuclear materials into the hands of terrorists.

"The concern is fundamental we must stop terrorists from acquiring (nuclear weapons)," Robert Joseph, US undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, said at the meeting.

While reiterating China's full support for the principles and aims of the initiative, Zhang stressed that all related exercises should be conducted under the basis of voluntary participation and in accordance with international laws. Sticking to this is beneficial to the effective implementation of the initiative, he added.

Zhang also called for more caution while taking economic and financial measures, in case such measures harm normal financial activities.

China welcomed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to join the initiative as an observer, Zhang said. The organization could offer powerful technical support for the implementation of the initiative with its rich experience and advanced technologies about the security of nuclear facilities, he added.

Zhai Dequan, deputy director-general of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, said it is important to combat nuclear proliferation and prevent terrorists from using nuclear materials and technology under a global framework.

"The global initiative will play a positive role in curbing nuclear proliferation and promoting nuclear disarmament," Zhai told China Daily.

But he stressed that the implementation of the initiative needs the "correct motive" and should be done in a "proper way."

"It has been a consensus in the international community to fight against terrorism and nuclear proliferation," Zhai said "However, any country should not easily resort to imposing an embargo or financial sanctions on another country under the pretext of anti-terrorism."