Beijing has voiced serious concern regarding a recent report about the United States approving a nuclear strategic plan focused on China's expanding nuclear arsenal.
The Chinese foreign ministry addressed the issue on Wednesday, criticizing the U.S. for what it perceives as promoting a narrative of Chinese nuclear threat.
According to Reuters, the report in question, published by the New York Times, claimed that U.S. President Joe Biden had approved a classified nuclear strategic plan in March, which not only concentrates on China's growing nuclear capabilities but also prepares for potential coordinated nuclear challenges from China, Russia, and North Korea.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed the country's apprehension during a regular press briefing. The spokesperson stated that recent U.S. actions have consistently propagated the idea of a Chinese nuclear threat, a narrative that China firmly rejects.
The classified nuclear strategic plan approved by President Biden earlier this year has sparked controversy and raised concerns in Beijing. While the White House maintains that the plan is not a response to any single country or threat, China views it as part of a broader pattern of U.S. behavior aimed at gaining strategic advantage.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson criticized the U.S. approach, stating that it appears to be an attempt to justify seeking strategic superiority. This perspective underscores the growing tensions between the two nations, particularly in nuclear capabilities and strategic planning.
The U.S. Department of Defense has been closely monitoring China's nuclear capabilities. An annual report released by the Pentagon in October of the previous year provided detailed estimates of China's nuclear warhead inventory and projections for its growth.
According to the Pentagon's assessment, China possessed more than 500 operational nuclear warheads in its arsenal at the time of the report. This figure represents a significant increase in China's nuclear capabilities compared to previous years.
The report also offered projections for the future growth of China's nuclear arsenal. It is estimated that by 2030, China will likely have over 1,000 nuclear warheads. This projected increase has raised concerns among U.S. defense officials and policymakers about the shifting balance of nuclear power in the Asia-Pacific region.
The ongoing dispute between China and the United States over nuclear strategy and capabilities has broader implications for global nuclear deterrence. As tensions rise, there are concerns about the potential for miscalculation or escalation in an already complex geopolitical landscape.
China's strong reaction to the reported U.S. strategic plan indicates that Beijing is sensitive to what it perceives as attempts to contain its growing influence. This sentiment could potentially lead to further expansion of China's nuclear capabilities as a counter-measure.
Mao Ning, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, stated:
The U.S. is peddling the China nuclear threat narrative, finding excuses to seek strategic advantage. China is seriously concerned about the relevant report, and the facts have fully proved that the United States has constantly stirred up the so-called China nuclear threat theory in recent years.
The report of a U.S. nuclear strategic plan focusing on China's expanding arsenal has triggered a strong response from Beijing. China has expressed serious concern over what it sees as the U.S. promoting a narrative of Chinese nuclear threat. The Chinese foreign ministry criticized this approach, viewing it as an attempt by the U.S. to seek strategic advantage. Meanwhile, the Pentagon's report on China's nuclear capabilities, estimating over 500 current warheads and projecting over 1,000 by 2030, underscores the growing tensions in this area.
