U.S. hinders arms control, non-proliferation, disarmament: Chinese defense spokesperson

BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday said that a range of actions taken by the United States over recent years have gravely hindered the process of multilateral arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.

Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China's defense ministry, made the remarks in response to a press inquiry regarding China-related content in the 2023 Compliance Report issued by the United States.

Denouncing the content as a groundless fabrication and deliberate smearing, Tan voiced firm opposition from the Chinese side.

Regarding nuclear non-proliferation, he pointed out that the United States has constantly shifted the blame, shirked its responsibility, and even withdrew from treaties and organizations. As the only country that blocked negotiations on the Biological Weapons Convention verification protocols, the United States has built over 100 biological laboratories around the world. Now, it is mulling the development of new types of nuclear warheads, cooperating with the United Kingdom and Australia on nuclear submarines, and advancing its military programs in outer space and cyberspace.

China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, is committed to true multilateralism, and faithfully fulfills its international obligations and commitments by taking solid action to preserve the international arms control and nonproliferation system, Tan said.

We urge the U.S. side to reflect on itself rather than point fingers at others, and earnestly address the international community's legitimate concerns on the issue of U.S. compliance, Tan said.