China on Tuesday criticized the “unfounded assumption” of a US report that Beijing’s nuclear arsenal will triple to 1,500 warheads by 2035, and accused Washington of “exaggerating” the threat.
In its annual report on the Chinese military, released a week ago, the Pentagon also highlighted improvements in the Chinese air force. For Washington, Beijing represents its biggest military challenge.
According to the document, the United States estimates that China will have a stockpile of more than 400 nuclear weapons.
Experts say, “If China continues its pace of nuclear expansion, it is likely to have a stockpile of about 1,500 warheads by 2035”.
An arsenal, however, would be far beyond that of the United States and Russia, which have thousands of nuclear warheads.
But, according to Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei, the US report “distorts China’s defense policy and military strategy, including making unfounded assumptions about China’s military development.” […] and exaggerates the perceived Chinese military threat.”
The report also found that China is taking “more hardline and aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region”, a term used by the United States to designate the changing reality of alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. Especially around Taiwan.
a statement which, according to Tan, amounts to “gross interference” in China’s internal affairs.
China claims the island is part of its territory and Taiwan is a source of tension between Beijing and Washington.
LXC/REB/MTP/LCH/DTH/JVB
AFP
