China has amended a regulation controlling biological exports to further prevent terrorists from getting their hands on biological materials to be used as weapons.

The Chinese government on Friday promulgated an amended control list of biological agents and related equipment and technologies, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.

The original list was promulgated on Oct. 14, 2002.

Fourteen viruses, toxins, bacteria and equipment were added to the original list, including the SARS virus.

The amendment suits the needs of international anti-terrorism efforts, Liu said.

"It is another important and practical measure that the Chinese government took to strengthen export controls."

He said that the Chinese government will further the enforcement of the regulations and improve the system of export control when needed.

At the same time, China is willing to further cooperate with all countries on the nonproliferation (of dangerous biological agents) and export controls.

Source: Xinhua