BEIJING, Feb. 24 -- "China strictly honors the commitment to a moratorium on nuclear testing, and has never conducted any activities in violation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)," said a Chinese defense spokesperson at a press briefing on Friday.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when asked to comment on media reports that the US side has recently made multiple accusations alleging that China conducted a nuclear explosion test in June 2020, and announced that the US will no longer unilaterally adhere to the zero-yield standard.

The spokesperson pointed out that the US remarks are completely unfounded and untenable. 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. China does not engage in any nuclear arms race with any country.

"In contrast, the US possesses the world's largest nuclear arsenal and maintains a policy of first use of nuclear weapons," said the spokesperson. "It has invested heavily in building a nuclear triad, and has even claimed to resume nuclear testing."

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, he added.

"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," said the spokesperson.