Beijing has voiced "grave concerns" regarding reports of the United States shifting its nuclear strategy to focus on China.
According to a report from Irish Star, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the issue during a press conference, stating that Washington's labeling of China as a "nuclear threat" was a pretext to expand its own nuclear arsenal and seek strategic dominance.
The concerns stem from a recent New York Times report suggesting that the Biden administration is increasingly worried about China's expanding nuclear capabilities.
Mao emphasized that China's nuclear arsenal is significantly smaller than that of the United States and reiterated Beijing's commitment to a "no first use" policy for nuclear weapons.
Mao Ning defended China's nuclear strategy by focusing on self-defense and maintaining its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security. She also criticized the United States for its position as the country with the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal.
The spokesperson accused Washington of investing heavily in modernizing its nuclear arsenal. According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia leads the global nuclear weapon inventory with 5,580 nukes, closely followed by the United States with 5,044. In contrast, China's stockpile is estimated at 500 nuclear weapons.
Beijing has accused the US of favoring a first-strike nuclear stance, despite Washington's insistence that it would only resort to its arsenal under dire threats such as invasions against itself or an ally.
President Biden reportedly approved a top-secret nuclear strategic plan called "Nuclear Employment Guidance" in March. For the first time, this plan focuses on China and its rapid expansion of nuclear capabilities. The strategy is part of a routine four-year review amid escalating tensions with Russia, China, and North Korea.
White House spokesperson Sean Savett clarified that the plan's existence is not secret and was not a response to any specific entity, country, or threat. However, the Biden administration's commitment to reducing the number and influence of nuclear weapons has faced opposition from the Pentagon and some congressional members who recognize the growing threat posed by China's military and nuclear advancements.
Mao Ning, speaking on behalf of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated:
We have no intention to engage in any form of arms race with other countries. It is the US who is the primary source of nuclear threats and strategic risks in the world. Instead of smearing and hyping up China, the US should reflect on itself and consider how to rebuild mutual trust with China through dialogue and sincerity.
A Pentagon report released last year suggested that Beijing could possess more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, doubling its current arsenal. The report also indicated that China might be deploying a small number of warhead missiles during peacetime for the first time.
Despite these concerns, the Biden administration has emphasized the need for greater nuclear transparency and dialogue with Beijing to minimize the risks of mutually assured destruction. In November last year, US officials engaged in a rare nuclear and non-proliferation discussion with their Chinese counterparts, marking the first meeting since 2019.
The ongoing tensions between the United States and China regarding nuclear strategy highlight the complex dynamics of global nuclear politics. As both nations continue to modernize and potentially expand their nuclear arsenals, the need for transparent dialogue and mutual understanding becomes increasingly crucial. The international community will be closely watching how these two superpowers navigate their nuclear policies in the coming years, as their decisions will have far-reaching implications for global security and stability.
