The launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by China is a regular military exercise, which is absolutely legitimate and reasonable, Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said on Thursday.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a simulated warhead into the high seas in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday morning, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
"The PLA Rocket Force carrying out the ICBM launch experiment is to check the performance of weapons and equipment, as well as the training level of troops. As a regular military training activity, it is completely legitimate and reasonable," Zhang said at a press conference in Beijing.
Then he illustrated China's nuclear policy.
"China's nuclear policy is highly stable, consistent and predictable. China always follows a policy of 'no first use' of nuclear weapons, a nuclear strategy of self-defense, and a principle of no arms race. The country has also committed to not using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones, as well as maintaining its nuclear force at the minimum level required for national security," Zhang noted.
China's launch of intercontinental ballistic missile a regular military exercise: spokesman
China launching intercontinental ballistic missile is regular military exercise: spokesman
