BEIJING, April 20. /TASS/. China considers it necessary to remind the United States of the importance of honoring its obligations in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.
"China follows a self-defense strategy, strictly adheres to a no-first-use nuclear policy and always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security," he stressed at a briefing, commenting on China’s position at the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The event will take place in New York from April 27 to May 22.
As the spokesperson clarified, Beijing expresses "deep concern over the challenges facing the NPT." According to him, on April 27 China will present at the conference a report on the implementation of its obligations in this area.
"This is China’s latest voluntary and transparent initiative aimed at strengthening mutual trust and fostering a favorable atmosphere at the conference," Guo Jiakun said. "The report once again confirms our country’s highly responsible, consistent and transparent policy," he added.
The diplomat also noted that refraining from participating in a nuclear arms race "brings stability and certainty to the world."
"China firmly upholds the authority and effectiveness of the NPT," he said. "Our report notes that [participants] of the conference should call on the United States to fulfill its priority obligations in nuclear disarmament, and to rectify the situation regarding the use of force against peaceful nuclear facilities of non-nuclear-weapon states."
Guo Jiakun also pointed to the need for the United States to stop creating "alliances based on mechanisms such as nuclear sharing, take measures to curb negative trends related to attempts by countries such as Japan to develop their own nuclear weapons," and eliminate risks associated with cooperation between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia in building nuclear-powered submarines.