Japan's pursuit of nuclear weapons a real threat: Chinese defense spokesperson

BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Japan's moves towards hosting nuclear weapons have become a real, not potential, threat, a Chinese defense spokesperson warned on Thursday.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media query about reported cooperation between the United States and Japan on the U.S. "extended deterrence," a strategy that promises the protection of allies with various means, including the use of nuclear capabilities.

Zhang said extended deterrence is a product of the Cold War that has exacerbated the risks of nuclear proliferation and nuclear conflict.

He criticized the Japanese government for portraying itself as a victim of nuclear bombing while at the same time actively seeking to introduce nuclear weapons from its allies.

Zhang urged the Japanese government to faithfully fulfill its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and refrain from seeking nuclear weapons in any form.

The spokesperson also urged the United States to cease provocative policies and actions and avoid undermining regional peace and security as well as global strategic stability.