When asked to comment on US President Donald Trump’s claim on Sunday that China is secretly testing nuclear weapons, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and responsible nuclear-weapon state, China is committed to peaceful development. She stressed that China adheres to a policy of “no first use” of nuclear weapons, maintains a self-defensive nuclear strategy and has strictly honoured its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing.
Mao stated that China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold the authority of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and to safeguard the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. She also expressed hope that the US will earnestly abide by its obligations under the CTBT and its commitment to a “moratorium on nuclear testing,” and take concrete actions to uphold the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation framework, as well as maintain global strategic balance and stability.
