In light of the United States' assertions regarding the growth of China's nuclear capabilities, including remarks by President-elect Donald Trump suggesting that China may surpass the US in nuclear stockpile in the future, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, made China’s position clear. He stated that as a responsible major power, China is dedicated to a course of peaceful development and aims for cooperative relationships with countries around the world.
Guo explained that the origins of China's nuclear weapons program lie in a specific historical context, driven by the need to respond to nuclear threats, counteract nuclear monopolies, and avert the potential for nuclear conflict. He remarked that the decision made by China regarding its nuclear capabilities was a historical necessity imposed upon it.
Moreover, Guo highlighted that China adheres to a policy of no-first-use in regards to nuclear weapons, maintains a defensive posture in its nuclear strategy, and ensures that its nuclear arsenal is held at a minimal level essential for safeguarding national security. He further noted that China does not compete in an arms race with any other nations.
14 Comments
Habibi
No-first-use policy? That's reassuring. But what happens if someone else uses nuclear weapons first? Will China sit back and do nothing?
lettlelenok
Yeah, right. China claims not to compete in an arms race, but their actions speak louder than words. Expanding their nuclear capabilities while preaching peace sounds like hypocrisy to me.
dedus mopedus
China's nuclear ambitions are a threat to global peace and security. We need to hold them accountable and demand transparency.
ytkonos
Minimal level? China keeps adding more and more warheads to their stockpile. How minimal is minimal, really?
Muchacho
Trump's comments might be bold, but China's increasing nuclear arsenal is a cause for concern for the entire world, not just the US.
Coccinella
Ignoring China's concerns and demonizing their nuclear program will only lead to more tension and conflict.
Africa
The world needs to stand up to China and demand they stop expanding their nuclear arsenal.
Comandante
A defensive nuclear strategy? That's like saying a loaded gun is for self-defense. It's all fun and games until someone pulls the trigger.
Bella Ciao
We cannot trust China's promises about nuclear weapons. They have a history of breaking agreements and hiding information.
Muchacha
China's claims about their peaceful intentions are contradicted by their actions. Their nuclear buildup is a threat to global security.
Muchacho
Cooperative relationships? China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and other regions tell a different story.
ArtemK
China's peaceful development? More like aggressive expansion. Their growing military power, including nuclear weapons, is a threat to regional stability.
Donatello
As a responsible major power, China should focus on diplomacy and cooperation, not nuclear weapons.
Michelangelo
It's convenient for China to blame their nuclear program on historical context and threats. What about the present? Are they still feeling threatened by everyone?