A Chinese diplomat emphasized that the People’s Republic of China will not engage in an arms race and would cautionsly reserve the right to use nuclear weapons only if absolutely necessary. He clarified this stance during remarks at the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to non-proliferation and strategic restraint. The diplomat stated clearly that China has never participated in and will never participate in any arms race, a pledge he described as a cornerstone of the country’s security policy. He also highlighted China’s long-standing policy of not using nuclear weapons first, stressing that Beijing adheres to a no-first-use doctrine that has guided its strategic calculations for decades and remains a key element of its nuclear posture. The remarks were part of a broader discussion on global non-proliferation, deterrence, and international security, with China framing its approach as stable and predictable in a volatile security environment.
Earlier reporting suggested that China conducted tests of underwater weapons designed to target surface ships and installations. The reports indicated that the test produced a powerful blast capable of destroying a surface object, and the technology was framed as a potential means to disrupt enemy supply lines in a future confrontation. While these accounts circulated in the media, observers stressed that such programs, if pursued, would need to be evaluated within the framework of international law and strategic stability considerations. Analysts cautioned that underwater weapons tests could influence regional deterrence dynamics and alliance planning, prompting mutual scrutiny among major powers and neighboring states.
In another regional context, questions about arms competition have entered broader discussions about strategic balance. Notably, comments attributed to President Vladimir Putin have been interpreted by some as signaling a renewed focus on arms development in response to perceived shifts in U.S. policy. Observers noted that the argument often centers on the effect of the United States decision to withdraw from the anti-ballistic missile treaty in 2001, a move that some say lowered the thresholds for competition. The discourse surrounding these developments reflects a charged and evolving security landscape in which multiple states seek to calibrate deterrence, alliance commitments, and strategic risk, all while pursuing modernization programs that could reshape future warfare. Reports and analysis from diverse outlets, including mainstream media and think-tank commentary, have tracked these dynamics with varying degrees of emphasis and nuance, illustrating how accountability, verification, and transparency remain central to maintaining strategic stability in a multipolar world.