BEIJING (AFP) - China said Thursday that nuclear cooperation between the United States and India must conform with the rules of the global non-proliferation regime.

"Cooperation must conform with the requirements and provisions of the international non-proliferation regime and the obligations undertaken by all countries," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said.

Qin was speaking to reporters in Beijing as U.S. President George W. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sealed a nuclear deal in New Delhi seen as the bedrock of a new strategic bilateral partnership.

He said China had a "clear position" on nuclear cooperation between the United States and India, urging that their cooperation be conducive to global non-proliferation efforts.

"The international community is now working hard to strengthen the authority and efficiency of the non-proliferation regime," he said.

"China hopes cooperation among countries on the peaceful use of nuclear energy will facilitate efforts."

The U.S.-India deal commits Washington to seek approval from the U.S. Congress and countries of the Nuclear Suppliers Group to lift restrictions on sharing civilian nuclear technology with India.

It also marks a major turnaround for the United States, which for three decades spearheaded a drive to deny India nuclear technology after New Delhi developed nuclear weapons in violation of international norms.

Both India and nuclear-armed rival Pakistan have refused to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

China and India have also engaged in a low-key nuclear rivalry, with India's decision to build an atomic bomb partly seen as aimed at matching Chinese capabilities.

Beijing is believed to be concerned about growing U.S. influence in South Asia having seen American clout extend not just to traditional U.S. ally Pakistan but also to former Soviet friend India.