China Reaffirms Nuclear Strategy Amidst Arsenal Growth Claims

The Chinese Foreign Ministry addressed claims regarding China's nuclear arsenal, reaffirming its self-defensive nuclear strategy and commitment to a no-first-use policy. A spokesperson stated that China had no comment on a recent report suggesting a significant increase in its nuclear warhead count. However, the spokesperson emphasized China's adherence to a nuclear strategy focused on self-defense, maintaining its capabilities at the minimum level necessary for national security, and refraining from any arms race.

China's policy of "no first use" of nuclear weapons was also reiterated. This policy commits China to not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones, a commitment unique among nuclear-weapon states. China is dedicated to safeguarding its own security interests and contributing to global peace and stability.

A Chinese military affairs expert suggested that the focus on China's growing nuclear capabilities might be aimed at pressuring China into unfair nuclear disarmament talks. The expert noted that China's arsenal remains significantly smaller than those of the United States and Russia, and questioned the logic of such discussions. China's development of weapons and equipment, including nuclear ones, is for defensive use.