China affirms defensive nuclear stance after ICBM launch

On September 26, China's Ministry of Defense stated that the ICBM test was a "legitimate and routine arrangement" aimed at "testing weapons and training performance."

"China's nuclear policy is stable, consistent, and predictable. We strictly adhere to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons while pursuing a nuclear strategy for self-defense," said Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang at a press briefing in Beijing.

He stated that China is not seeking an "arms race" and has "committed to not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or non-nuclear-weapon regions."

"China will continue to maintain its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level necessary for national security," Zhang said.

The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force of China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on September 25. Photo: AFP

Earlier on September 25, Beijing announced its first ICBM test in four decades, stating that the missile carried a dummy warhead. The Chinese military released images on September 26 showing the warhead rising into the air in a plume of smoke from an unspecified location.

Analysts say the images suggest the launch may have been of the Dongfeng-31 AG intercontinental ballistic missile, which was unveiled at a military parade in 2017.

Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trung-quoc-khang-dinh-lap-truong-hat-nhan-mang-tinh-phong-thu-sau-vu-phong-icbm-post314152.html