China has accused the U.S. and Japan of instigating nuclear proliferation while asserting that its own nuclear arsenal remains at a “minimum level.” This comes in reaction to a recent meeting between U.S. and Japanese officials focusing on extended deterrence.
During the Tokyo gathering, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to defend Japan, enhancing what’s referred to as the “nuclear umbrella.” This strategy aims to deter threats, both nuclear and non-nuclear, to its allies.
“The threat from the PRC [People’s Republic of China], along with Russia and North Korea, makes our extended deterrence more crucial than ever,” stated U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Reports suggest that the U.S. and Japan plan to release their first joint document detailing the specific scenarios that could lead Washington to respond with nuclear force if Japan is threatened.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian argued that the U.S. and Japan are exaggerating dangers posed by China, asserting that this rhetoric is escalating regional tensions.
He remarked, “China is a force for peace, contributing to global development and upholding international order.”
In a meeting with Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized Japan’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.
Austin replied, “We are fully dedicated to Japan’s defense.”
Lin maintained that China’s nuclear strength is kept to the minimum necessary for national security, stressing that it does not threaten any nation and labeling U.S.-Japan’s extended deterrence efforts as outdated relics of the Cold War.
He cautioned that such commitments could amplify regional tensions and risk nuclear proliferation. At a recent NPT preparatory committee meeting in Geneva, China called for the U.S. to abandon its nuclear umbrella policy.
Sun Xiaobo, a senior Chinese official, claimed that the U.S. has heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific, exacerbating the nuclear arms race through its military strategies. He urged nuclear states to diminish the significance of nuclear arms in their security policies.
In response to these claims, Jim Warden from the U.S. State Department criticized China’s nuclear stance, stating, “Russia and China are expanding and diversifying their nuclear arsenals with no interest in arms control.” This was in reference to China halting nuclear discussions with the U.S. earlier this year.
The U.S. Defense Department previously reported that China’s nuclear arsenal is rapidly growing, with over 500 warheads expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030. Meanwhile, newly released data indicates that the U.S. maintains approximately 3,748 nuclear warheads.