China expresses its deep concern over the moves by the U.S., Japan and others to enhance "extended deterrence" cooperation, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
"'Extended deterrence' is a product of the Cold War. Individual countries' moves of enhancing nuclear deterrence cooperation out of geopolitical agenda exacerbate the risks of nuclear proliferation and nuclear confrontation. At the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), many countries expressed grave concern and strong opposition to the 'extended deterrence' arrangements," said Lin, in response to a media query on the recent U.S. attempts to strengthen "extended deterrence" cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). "Japan has over the years portrayed itself as a champion of a nuclear-free world, while relying more and more on the so-called 'nuclear umbrella' and even made the dangerous remarks of hoping to possess nuclear weapons. This poses a grave challenge to the postwar international order and the international non-proliferation regime. We urge Japan to do serious soul-searching, earnestly perform its duty under the NPT, abide by the three non-nuclear principles and do not seek nuclear weapons in any form," he said.
"China urges the United States to abandon the Cold War mentality, stop taking provocative policies and actions, and abolish arrangements such as 'nuclear sharing' and 'extended deterrence.' The U.S. should take concrete actions to uphold regional peace and security and safeguard strategic stability of the world. China also hopes that the ROK side will act prudently and do more that is conducive to regional stability," said the spokesman.
China gravely concerned over US, Japan's moves to enhance 'extended deterrence': spokesman
