China is seriously concerned about a report that said the United States approved a nuclear strategic plan to focus on China’s rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
“The U.S. is peddling the China nuclear threat narrative, finding excuses to seek strategic advantage,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said.
What Does Report Say
According to a report by the New York Times, U.S. President Joe Biden approved in March a highly classified nuclear strategic plan that focused on China’s rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal. The shift comes as the Pentagon believes China’s stockpiles will match the size and diversity of the United States’ and Russia’s over the next decade and to prepare the U.S for possible coordinated nuclear challenges from China, Russia and North Korea.
Reaction From Both Sides
“China is seriously concerned about the relevant report, and the facts have fully proved that the United States has constantly stirred up the so-called China nuclear threat theory in recent years,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing.
The White House said on Tuesday that the classified nuclear strategic plan approved by Biden this year is not a response to a single country or threat.
In June, Pranay Vaddi, the National Security Council’s senior director for arms control and nonproliferation, also referenced the document. This was the first detailed assessment of whether the United States is equipped to handle nuclear crises that occur either simultaneously or sequentially, using a mix of nuclear and non-nuclear weapons.
The U.S. has consistently pointed to China’s expansive and growing nuclear weaponry. An annual report by the Pentagon last October said China had more than 500 operational nuclear warheads in its arsenal, and will probably have over 1,000 warheads by 2030.
(With inputs from Reuters)
