China denies Trump’s secret nuclear testing accusation
Contrary to US President Donald Trump’s claim, China is a “responsible nuclear weapon state” and does not engage in covert nuclear arms testing, its foreign affairs spokesperson said.
In a press briefing held Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning asserted that Beijing abides by the rules of the UN Security Council, of which it is a permanent member.
“China is committed to peaceful development, follows a policy of 'no first use' of nuclear weapons and a nuclear strategy that focuses on self-defence, and adheres to its nuclear testing moratorium,” Mao said.
Trump had claimed China, Russia, North Korea and Pakistan were all secretly testing nuclear weapons underground.
He used this claim to preface the resumption of the US’ own tests — the first conducted in more than 30 years.
“It's hoped that the US will earnestly abide by its obligations under the Treaty and its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, and take concrete actions to uphold the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, as well as global strategic balance and stability,” Mao said.
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