1.   The Chinese have refused to be helpful on the ring magnets.

2.   The ring magnets are used in high-speed centrifuges that refine uranium for use in nuclear weapons.

3.   The White House decision came in response to allegations that last year China sold to Pakistan specialized ring magnets that can be used to enrich uranium.

4.   U.S. administration officials are currently in China discussing the alleged sale of nuclear ring magnets to Pakistan and other alleged sales of nuclear technology to Iran.

5.   At issue was the transfer to Pakistan of ring magnets, which are needed to enrich uranium.

6.   Christopher, meanwhile, decided against imposing sanctions on China for selling Pakistan ring magnets that could be used in producing nuclear weapons.

7.   Earlier this month, the Clinton administration decided against punishing China for selling to Pakistan ring magnets that can be used as centrifuges in the production of enriched uranium.

8.   Last year, there was a controversy over the Chinese sale of ring magnets, used in the development of nuclear weapons, to Pakistan.

9.   Last year a controversy flared over the Chinese sale of ring magnets, used in the development of nuclear weapons, to Pakistan.

10.   Sanctions again were threatened this year after China allegedly sold Pakistan ring magnets, a technology that could be used in a nuclear weapons program.