China affirms defensive nuclear stance after ICBM launch

On September 26, China's Defense Ministry said the ICBM test was a "legitimate and normal 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 and pursue a nuclear strategy for self-defense," ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said at a press conference in Beijing.

He said China did not seek an “arms race” and had “committed not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones”.

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

China's People's Liberation Army Rocket Force launches 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, saying the missile carried a dummy warhead. The Chinese military released images of the missile on September 26 showing the warhead rising into the air in a column of smoke from an unknown location.

Analysts said the images showed the launch could be 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