- China’s Ministry of National Defense rejected U.S. accusations of nuclear testing and stated it has not violated the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
- Beijing accused the United States of undermining global nuclear stability and urged Washington to uphold nuclear testing moratorium commitments and arms control obligations.
China’s Ministry of National Defense on February 28 issued a formal statement accusing the United States of becoming “the greatest source of uncertainty for the international nuclear order and global strategic stability,” responding to recent U.S. allegations regarding Chinese nuclear testing activities.
The remarks were delivered by Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, during a press briefing addressing military-related issues and growing tensions surrounding nuclear weapons policies and testing standards.
The statement follows reports that the United States accused China of conducting a nuclear explosion test in June 2020 and announced it would no longer unilaterally adhere to a “zero-yield” nuclear testing standard. The Chinese response directly rejected those accusations and reaffirmed Beijing’s stated nuclear doctrine.
Responding to a journalist’s question, Zhang said, “The US remarks are completely unfounded and untenable.” He added that China maintains a defensive nuclear posture and complies with international commitments governing nuclear testing.
“It is widely known that China adheres to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, upholds a nuclear strategy of self-defense, and consistently maintains its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security,” Zhang said. “China does not engage in any nuclear arms race with any country. We strictly honor the commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, and have never conducted any activities in violation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).”
According to the statement released by the ministry, Chinese officials rejected claims that Beijing had violated international nuclear testing norms and instead shifted criticism toward U.S. nuclear policy and modernization efforts.
“In contrast, the US possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal and maintains a policy of first use of nuclear weapons,” Zhang said. “It has invested heavily in building a nuclear triad, and has even claimed to resume nuclear testing.”
He further stated that “America’s irresponsible actions in arms control—including withdrawals from treaties and backtracking on commitments—have made it the greatest source of uncertainty for the international nuclear order and global strategic stability.”
The spokesperson urged Washington to comply with international arms control obligations, saying, “We urge the US to earnestly fulfill its obligations under the CTBT and honor its pledge of the moratorium on nuclear testing, assume the special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament, and take concrete actions to preserve the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime and uphold global strategic balance and stability.”
According to the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, the remarks were issued in response to repeated U.S. accusations concerning alleged nuclear testing activities. The ministry framed the exchange as part of broader disagreements between the two countries over nuclear transparency and arms control compliance.
Nuclear triad modernization, referenced in the Chinese statement, typically involves maintaining three delivery systems—land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers—to ensure survivable deterrence capability. Both the United States and China have expanded investment in nuclear infrastructure and delivery platforms in recent years, reflecting shifting strategic competition.