Q: It is reported by some US media
recently that the US Government is prepared to tell China
that it will not oppose China's expansion of nuclear weapons
in exchange for China's support to the US missile defense
program. A few days later, the US Government issued a
statement claiming that these reports were not true. What's
your comment?
A: We
have noticed the conflict of the relevant reports.
China always stands for the complete
prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. It
never participates in nuclear arms race, nor is it in favour
of seeking strategic supremacy over other countries through
nuclear arms race. China has all along exercised maximum
restraint on the development of nuclear weapons. It has
always maintained the minimum nuclear arsenal that is needed
for self-defense. It has strictly adhered to its commitment
of not being the first to use nuclear weapons, and the
commitment of unconditionally not using or threatening to
use nuclear weapons towards non-nuclear countries. China's
nuclear forces will not be a threat to any
country.
The United States is in possession of
the strongest military force. However, it is bent on
developing the missile defense system that would undermine
global strategic balance and stability. This will inevitably
impede upon the common security of various countries. We
hope that the United States would act cautiously.