China spoke out after the United States released a report predicting that Beijing could have 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035.
China’s Defense Ministry on December 6 denied a Pentagon report about the speed of Beijing’s nuclear weapons program. China describes the comments of the US side as exaggerated and unfair conjecture.
Previously, the Pentagon’s annual report released on November 29 on China’s military power said: “Over the next decade, China aims to modernize, diversify and expand its forces. their nucleus”.
According to Pentagon estimates, Beijing now possesses about 400 nuclear warheads, up from a previous estimate of 350. At the current rate of growth, China’s stockpile is forecast to grow to 1,000 warheads by the end of this decade and to 1,500 by 2035. Meanwhile, the US has 3,750 warheads in active service. and the total stockpile of more than 5,000.
China’s Ministry of National Defense accused the US of “exaggerating and speculating on China’s nuclear force modernization process”.
China believes that the US should think about its own nuclear policy, especially when Washington possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal.
China accuses the US of developing “vigorously” and seeking to deploy tactical nuclear weapons for front-line use and is conducting nuclear proliferation through the AUKUS security partnership. with the UK and Australia.
China mentioned the AUKUS security partnership agreement between the US, UK, and Australia. As part of the deal, the US and UK will help Australia develop a fleet of eight powerful nuclear-powered submarines. China has repeatedly opposed AUKUS, saying it risks increasing the risk of an arms race in the region.
“It should be emphasized that China resolutely pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense, always adheres to the policy of not using nuclear weapons first at any time and under any circumstances and maintains the nuclear capacity to the lowest level to protect national security,” China said.
China’s Defense Ministry accused the US of being “the biggest trouble maker” when it comes to global security.
