China Reaffirms No-First-Use Nuclear Policy, Rejects U.S. Claims of Expansion

Beijing Reaffirms Core Nuclear Doctrine

China has once again affirmed its steadfast adherence to a policy of 'no-first-use' (NFU) of nuclear weapons and a self-defensive nuclear strategy. This reaffirmation comes in direct response to recent assertions made by the United States concerning China's nuclear capabilities and intentions. Beijing has characterized these U.S. claims as 'repeated hype aimed at justifying the acceleration of U.S. nuclear modernization and undermining global strategic stability'.

The declaration underscores China's consistent stance on nuclear arms, which has been a cornerstone of its national defense policy for decades. The country maintains that its nuclear arsenal is solely for deterrence and self-defense, not for offensive purposes or engaging in an arms race.

Historical Commitment to No-First-Use

China's commitment to a 'no-first-use' policy dates back to October 16, 1964, immediately following its first successful nuclear test. At that time, China made a solemn declaration that it would 'never at any time or under any circumstances be the first to use nuclear weapons'. This pledge also included an unconditional commitment not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones.

Key principles of China's nuclear doctrine include:

• Maintaining a nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security.
• Ensuring a second-strike capability, allowing for retaliation only after a nuclear attack.
• Exercising centralized command and control over nuclear weapons, ensuring they cannot be used without explicit orders from top leadership.

This long-standing policy distinguishes China among nuclear-weapon states, with India being the only other nuclear power to formally maintain a similar NFU policy.

Rejection of U.S. Allegations and Call for Disarmament

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian explicitly rejected a recent draft Pentagon report, which alleged that China has loaded more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) across its latest three silo fields and is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, potentially reaching 1,500 warheads by 2035. The Pentagon report also suggested that China shows 'no appetite' for engaging in arms control talks.

Lin Jian countered these claims, stating that the United States, as the world's largest nuclear power, bears the 'special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament'. He urged Washington to 'further make drastic and substantive cuts to its nuclear arsenal' and create conditions for other nuclear-weapon states to join the disarmament process. China recently released a white paper titled 'China's Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in the New Era', which provides a comprehensive overview of its nuclear policy and position on disarmament.

Commitment to Global Strategic Stability

China's reaffirmation of its NFU policy and self-defensive nuclear strategy underscores its stated commitment to global peace and stability. President Xi Jinping has previously reiterated that 'nuclear weapons cannot be used and nuclear war must not be fought'. China actively participates in international efforts, including the review process of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and meetings of the P5 (five nuclear-weapon states) mechanism, to promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.