According to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, the Chinese nuclear arsenal does not compare in size to that of the United States.

The official reiterated that Beijing follows a no-nuclear-first policy and maintains a defensive nuclear strategy, with its nuclear forces limited to the minimum necessary to ensure national security. The spokeswoman also emphasized that China has no intention of engaging in an arms race with any country.

Moreover, Mao Ning criticized the United States for possessing the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal in the world, as well as for maintaining a deterrence policy based on the preventive use of these weapons.

In addition, she noted that Washington invests large sums of money in the modernization of its nuclear force and designed nuclear intimiation strategies aimed at other nations. “The United States is the largest generator of strategic nuclear risks globally,” the spokeswoman said.

China urged Washington to fulfill its priority responsibility in nuclear disarmament, significantly reduce its arsenal, cease nuclear deterrent policies and the expansion of alliances that undermine global and regional peace and stability.

The Foreign Ministry recently expressed its deep concern and firm opposition to cooperation on nuclear submarines between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

According to Beijing, the creation of AUKUS encourages an arms race, threatens the international nuclear non-proliferation system and exacerbates political and military tensions in the region.

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