China 'Deeply Shocked' Over Pentagon Secret Report: FM Spokesman

Home>>China

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, March 12, 2002

China 'Deeply Shocked' Over Pentagon Secret Report: FM Spokesman

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

China demands an explanation from the U.S. side

The Chinese government is deeply shocked over news that the U.S. Defence Department has outlined the possible use of nuclear weapons against countries including China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said Monday.

China demands an explanation from the U.S. side about the issue, Sun said when answering a question from the press on the Los Angeles Times' recent report that the Pentagon has informed the U.S. Congress in a secret report of its plan which includes the possible use of nuclear weapons against China and six other countries in emergency situations.

"Like many other countries, China is deeply shocked by this report," Sun said, "the U.S. side bears the responsibility to make an explanation on this matter."

China: nuclear weapons should be prohibited

China is a peace-loving country and poses no threat to any other nation, Sun said.

"China has always held that nuclear weapons should be comprehensively prohibited and thoroughly destroyed," he said.

"Countries with nuclear weapons should undertake unconditionally not to be the first to use them, and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states or nuclear-weapon-free regions," he said.

The spokesman noted the fact that China and the United States have in place an agreement not to target each other with nuclear weapons.

"Any Cold War mentality goes against the global trend of peace and development through cooperation, and is doomed to failure," he added.

Questions?Comments? Click here

US Nuclear Plan Sees New Weapons and New Targets

Pentagon Considering Use of Nuclear Weapons: LA Times