Wang Wenbin, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that the strategic competition of the main powers in security matters has intensified.

He considers this requires greater commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and, in particular, stressed the importance of the document, which he described as the cornerstone of the international disarmament regime.

He also criticized the prioritization of geopolitical interests and reiterated China’s principle of no-first-use of nuclear weapons.

For Beijing to possess such weapons “has never been for the purpose of hegemony, but to dissuade war”, he said.

“China actively promotes international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, stressing that its use cannot be at the expense of the natural environment and human health,” he added.

Wang Wenbin referred to the first preparatory meeting ahead of the 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

“China participated in various substantive work in a positive and constructive manner, actively promoted the role of the Treaty in the service of security and development, and firmly safeguarded its legitimate rights and interests,” he said.

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