PLA Missile Test Denies Nuclear Arms Race, China's Defense Ministry Says

(CNA Taipei, July 7) China's test launch of a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads into the Pacific Ocean on July 6 has drawn international dissatisfaction. China's Ministry of National Defense insisted today that it was a routine annual military training exercise, "in line with international law and international practice," and claimed that "China is not engaged in a nuclear arms race with any country."

Following the PLA's missile test, National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo posted on social media platform X, stating that this was a provocation that undermines stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and that China has once again proven itself to be a regional bully.

According to a report by mainland media outlet Beijing News this evening, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Chen Xi, in response to a reporter's question, stated that the Chinese Navy's strategic nuclear submarines had organized a test launch of strategic missiles, which "achieved its expected objectives."

Chen Xi claimed, "This is a routine annual military training exercise, in line with international law and international practice. China had notified relevant countries in advance, reflecting the openness and transparency of the Chinese military."

Chen Xi asserted that China "adheres to the path of peaceful development, pursues a defensive national defense policy, and abides by a self-defense nuclear strategy," and "always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level necessary for national security, and is not engaged in a nuclear arms race with any country." "We are modernizing our nuclear forces to ensure national strategic security and maintain global strategic stability."

Regarding China's missile test, the U.S. Department of State issued a statement saying that while the U.S. is making unprecedented efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is acting in the opposite direction. Beijing's rapid and opaque buildup of nuclear weapons has caused serious concern in the region and the world.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte responded to questions from various media outlets on July 6, stating that this shows "we cannot be naive about China."

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated today that China is significantly and rapidly expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, without sufficient transparency. "Its military activities have become a matter of deep concern for Japan and the international community." (Edited by Feng Zhao / Yang Zhaoyan) 7/7)

Stand with facts, your every donation is a force to protect press freedom

Download CNA's "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates

The text, images, and audio on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.