State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Tuesday the move follows the release of an anti-proliferation statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The waiver applies to sanctions that had been imposed on China for past violations of U.S. law regarding the transfer of missiles and missile technologies.

Mr. Boucher said the decison means the United States will resume processing licenses for commercial space cooperation between U.S. and Chinese companies. He added that Washington reserves the right to impose sanctions against China for any future violations.