Iran Press/Asia: Beijing also called on Washington to "refrain from extending nuclear deterrence or expanding a nuclear alliance," according to state media reports.
Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, stated that Beijing "firmly" opposes the expansion of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and the evasion of disarmament responsibilities under the pretext of a non-existent "China nuclear threat," as reported by Xinhua news agency.
He emphasized that China maintains a "self-defense nuclear strategy" and keeps its nuclear force at the minimum level necessary for national security.
"It is common knowledge that the U.S. possesses the largest nuclear arsenal in the world and follows a nuclear policy that permits the first use of nuclear weapons," Wu was quoted as saying.
He further criticized the U.S. for heavily investing in the miniaturization of nuclear weapons for real combat and accused it of exercising double standards on nuclear proliferation, which he described as a severe threat to global strategic stability.
The global nuclear landscape is evolving, with both the United States and China modernizing their arsenals amid rising geopolitical tensions.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, China is expected to increase its nuclear warheads to approximately 1,500 by 2035. This projection highlights China's ongoing efforts to enhance its nuclear capabilities, which have reportedly grown from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 by January 2024.
The rapid expansion of China's nuclear arsenal has raised concerns in Washington, particularly as the U.S. maintains around 3,700 nuclear warheads, including approximately 1,336 that have been retired and are slated for dismantlement. In contrast, Russia leads the world with an estimated 5,580 nuclear warheads, including 1,200 earmarked for retirement.
The current arms race has been exacerbated by the suspension of nuclear arms control talks between the U.S. and China, which has left both nations pursuing aggressive modernization strategies. As tensions remain high, particularly over issues such as Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the potential for miscalculation increases.
The U.S. has been actively modernizing its nuclear triad, which includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers. This modernization effort aims to ensure that the U.S. maintains a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.
In light of these developments, experts emphasize the need for renewed dialogue and risk-reduction measures to prevent an escalation of nuclear threats. The concept of "no first use" has been proposed as a potential framework for nuclear-armed states to reduce tensions and establish clearer boundaries regarding the use of nuclear weapons.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of the implications of these nuclear developments for global security and stability.
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