Q： It is reported by some US media recently that the US Government is prepared to tell China that it will not oppose China's expansion of nuclear weapons in exchange for China's support to the US missile defense program. A few days later, the US Government issued a statement claiming that these reports were not true. What's your comment?
A: We have noticed the conflict of the relevant reports.
China always stands for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. It never participates in nuclear arms race, nor is it in favour of seeking strategic supremacy over other countries through nuclear arms race. China has all along exercised maximum restraint on the development of nuclear weapons. It has always maintained the minimum nuclear arsenal that is needed for self-defense. It has strictly adhered to its commitment of not being the first to use nuclear weapons, and the commitment of unconditionally not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons towards non-nuclear countries. China's nuclear forces will not be a threat to any country.
The United States is in possession of the strongest military force. However, it is bent on developing the missile defense system that would undermine global strategic balance and stability. This will inevitably impede upon the common security of various countries. We hope that the United States would act cautiously.