China Calls on US to Lead Nuclear Disarmament After Pentagon Report

Post by : Saif

China has called on the United States to fulfill what it described as its responsibility to lead global nuclear disarmament, following the release of a draft Pentagon report that raised concerns about China’s nuclear weapons program. The exchange highlights growing tension between the world’s two largest powers over nuclear policy and global security.

At a regular press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to the US report, which claimed that China is likely to have placed nuclear warheads on more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles. The report also suggested that China has little interest in joining arms control talks with Washington.

Lin rejected the tone and implications of the report and said the United States should focus on its own role as the world’s largest nuclear power. He argued that the US bears a special responsibility to reduce its nuclear arsenal and create conditions that allow other nuclear-armed countries to move toward disarmament.

According to Lin, progress on nuclear disarmament depends on leadership from countries with the biggest and most advanced stockpiles. He said that meaningful reductions by the United States would help build trust and encourage broader cooperation among nuclear-armed states.

China has long maintained that its nuclear forces are kept at the minimum level needed for national security. Chinese officials often say their country follows a defensive nuclear policy and does not seek to compete with the United States or Russia in terms of total warhead numbers. Beijing also repeats that it will not be the first to use nuclear weapons.

The Pentagon report, however, reflects growing concern in Washington about China’s military modernization. US officials say China is rapidly expanding and improving its nuclear forces, which could change the global balance of power. They also argue that China’s reluctance to enter formal arms control talks makes it harder to manage risks and avoid misunderstandings.

China has pushed back against these claims, saying arms control talks should first involve countries with the largest nuclear arsenals. From Beijing’s point of view, the US and Russia, which together hold the majority of the world’s nuclear weapons, must take deeper cuts before asking others to join negotiations.

This public exchange comes at a time of strained relations between China and the United States on many fronts, including trade, technology, Taiwan, and military activity in the Asia-Pacific region. Nuclear policy adds another sensitive issue to an already complex relationship.

Experts warn that rising mistrust between major powers increases the risk of miscalculation. Clear communication, transparency, and gradual arms control steps are often seen as key tools for reducing danger in a nuclear-armed world.

For now, both sides appear firm in their positions. The United States is pressing China to be more open about its nuclear buildup, while China insists that true disarmament must begin with those who possess the most weapons. How this debate unfolds will play an important role in shaping future global security.

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