BEIJING, June 26 -- "China will stay committed to safeguarding its legitimate security interests and upholding world peace and stability," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
It is reported that the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in Sweden recently released its annual report on global nuclear forces, stating that China currently possesses 600 nuclear warheads, ranking third globally, and its stockpile is increasing at a speed of approximately 100 per year, faster than that of any other country in the world.
When asked to comment on the report, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang said that he would not comment on such a speculative report, adding that China pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense, and commits itself to a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances.
He stressed that China keeps its nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security and does not engage in arms race with any country. China will stay committed to safeguarding its legitimate security interests and upholding world peace and stability.