Chinese defence minister says country’s nuclear arsenal ‘for self-defence’

• China has spent more than five decades honing its capabilities.
• Nuclear weapons showcased at a military parade in Beijing in 2019 are operational and deployed.
• The US State Department expressed worry over China’s nuclear development

Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe told delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday that China has made “great progress” in creating new nuclear weapons, but that they will only be used for self-defense and never first.

In answer to a question concerning allegations last year that China was building over 100 additional nuclear missile silos in the country’s east, he stated that China “has always pursued a right path to developing nuclear capabilities for our country’s safety.”

He went on to say that nuclear weapons showcased at a military parade in Beijing in 2019 were operational and deployed, including improved launchers for China’s DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

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“China has spent more than five decades honing its capabilities. He stated, “It’s fair to say there has been significant development.” “China’s… policy remains unwavering.” We use it to defend ourselves. “We will not be the first country to utilise nuclear weapons.”

He stated that China’s nuclear arsenal’s ultimate purpose was to prevent nuclear war.

He remarked, “We developed nuclear capabilities to preserve the Chinese people’s hard work and to shield our people from the horror of nuclear warfare.”

Last year, the US State Department expressed worry over China’s nuclear development, claiming that Beijing looked to be departing from decades of nuclear strategy predicated on limited deterrence. It called on China to engage with it “on practical measures to reduce the risks of destabilising arms

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