China Reaffirms No First Use of Nuclear Weapons at UN Meeting

China’s defence stance and Taiwan tensions have dominated recent diplomatic exchanges, with Beijing stressing a commitment to peaceful development and a policy of nuclear self-defence. In a speech delivered at the United Nations headquarters in New York during a conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a senior Chinese official reaffirmed that China will not be the first to use nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The message was delivered as part of a broader call for responsible nuclear stewardship and international security assurances that aim to deter aggression while minimizing the risks of nuclear escalation. According to the official, Beijing’s approach to national security remains anchored in restraint, dialogue, and adherence to international norms, with a focus on safeguarding sovereignty and regional stability. This position feeds into broader narratives about China’s strategic posture, its readiness to engage in multilateral treatises, and its insistence that nuclear weapons should never be a first option in any crisis. (Source attribution: United Nations conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty)