China issues new arms control white paper

A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday said a newly released white paper on arms control underscores China’s commitment to strategic stability, global disarmament efforts, and responsible military conduct.

The document, titled “China’s Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation in the New Era,” was issued by the State Council Information Office.

At a press briefing in Beijing, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin stated, “The white paper has demonstrated China’s firm resolve and sense of responsibility to strengthen arms control, maintain strategic stability, and reduce the harm caused by war.”

Jiang noted that the publication is the first of its kind since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and aligns with Beijing’s broader diplomatic initiatives. “It represents a concrete step taken by China to implement the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative,” Jiang said.

According to the spokesperson, the white paper outlines how China has “constructively participated in global security governance,” including arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation efforts. Jiang said the country continues to “play an important role in promoting world peace and stability.”

While the document provides no new disclosures about China’s nuclear or conventional weapons programs, its messaging signals a desire to frame China’s approach as aligned with multilateral efforts and international norms. The timing of the release also comes amid heightened competition with the United States and other Western countries in the security, technology, and space domains.

“No matter how the international landscape may shift,” Jiang said, “China will work with all peace-loving countries to improve global security governance, uphold international fairness and justice, advance multilateral arms control process, safeguard global strategic stability, inject greater certainty and positive energy into a world fraught with turbulence and change, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.”

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has used the occasion to reinforce China’s stated opposition to arms races, the weaponization of outer space, and unilateral coercive measures. While the white paper contains reaffirmations of prior policy positions, it does not announce new treaty commitments or timelines for reductions.

Analysts observing the release note that while China remains outside several major international frameworks—such as the U.S.-Russia New START treaty—it is seeking to shape its image as a cooperative global actor, particularly among non-aligned countries and regional blocs.

The Ministry’s emphasis on multilateralism mirrors past diplomatic language but also aims to contrast China’s posture with what it perceives as destabilizing moves by other global powers, including increased military deployments in Asia and the modernization of nuclear arsenals.