Missile pact a potential breakthrough

A missile pact expected to be signed between China and Russia today, in which both sides will notify each other of ballistic missile launch plans, represents a major breakthrough in bilateral ties, experts said yesterday.

The agreement, however, will have little impact on China's national security, experts noted.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is slated to sign the contract during his visit this week, the Agence France-Presse reported on Sunday, quoting a Russian governmental statement.