China concerned over US move to resume nuclear tests
Photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping (Getty Images)
China warned of the threat of global nuclear conflict after the US announced the resumption of nuclear weapons testing, Bloomberg reports.
On Thursday, November 27, the contents of a statement by the Information Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China were announced, which was published in a white paper on arms control.
It states that China is concerned about US statements on resuming nuclear weapons testing to catch up with its competitors. The statement clearly states that resuming tests of this type of weapon will increase the risks of a global nuclear conflict.
China has stated that it adheres to an extremely restrained policy in the development of nuclear weapons and will never engage in a nuclear arms race. At the same time, the document highlights that some countries continue to change their nuclear policies, increasing nuclear deterrence and combat capabilities.
China's statement was a response to US President Donald Trump's remarks about his intention to resume nuclear weapons testing. The US President recently announced that America would conduct such tests very soon.
According to US government estimates, although China's arsenal is smaller than that of the US and Russia, it is being actively modernized and expanded. China last conducted a nuclear test in 1996, but continues to test nuclear-capable missiles and hypersonic warheads capable of evading interception.
China's statement underscores the country's intention to further develop its strategic deterrence capabilities, including nuclear forces, over the next five years, but without participating in an arms race.
Nuclear weapons testing around the world
The US plans to resume nuclear weapons testing following Russia's recent tests of a nuclear submarine drone and cruise missile. However, it is currently unknown whether these will be actual explosions or merely tests of delivery systems.
US President Donald Trump recently stated that the US has more nuclear weapons than any other country. At the same time, according to Trump, the US is the only country that does not conduct nuclear tests.
Later, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said that the United States' decision to resume nuclear testing would make nuclear conflict less likely.
