Photo courtesy of Anadolu
China expressed serious concern Thursday over efforts by the United States and Japan to strengthen extended nuclear deterrence arrangements.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned that such moves could heighten the risk of nuclear proliferation and conflict.
Lin issued the remarks during a regular press briefing after reports that Washington and Tokyo had held an extended deterrence dialogue.
The United States also reportedly held a Nuclear Consultation Group meeting with South Korea.
Washington reaffirmed its commitment to defend Japan using all available capabilities, including nuclear forces.
Lin described extended deterrence as a Cold War-era policy and accused some countries of expanding nuclear cooperation for geopolitical reasons.
He said many countries had opposed similar arrangements during review conferences of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Lin also criticized Japan for publicly supporting a world without nuclear weapons while relying more on the US nuclear umbrella. He urged Tokyo to comply with its treaty obligations, uphold its Three Non-Nuclear Principles, and avoid seeking nuclear weapons in any form.
