China Reacts to U.S. Nuclear Plan Amid Growing Arsenal Concerns

The Chinese foreign ministry expressed significant concern over a U.S. nuclear strategic plan focusing on China's rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal. The plan, approved by President Biden, also addresses potential nuclear challenges from Russia and North Korea. China accuses the U.S. of magnifying the 'China nuclear threat'.

China has voiced serious concerns regarding a report that the U.S. approved a nuclear strategic plan targeting China's swiftly growing nuclear arsenal, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday.

'The U.S. is perpetuating the China nuclear threat myth, seeking strategic advantage,' remarked a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry. As reported by the New York Times, President Joe Biden sanctioned the highly classified plan in March, which zeros in on China's nuclear capabilities and prepares the U.S. for potential nuclear conflicts involving China, Russia, and North Korea.

'China is deeply troubled by the report, which confirms that the United States has consistently promoted the so-called China nuclear threat theory in recent years,' said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a routine press briefing. Conversely, the White House has asserted that the plan, ratified earlier this year, is not a direct response to any single nation or specific threat.

The U.S. has repeatedly highlighted China's burgeoning nuclear arsenal. Last October, a Pentagon report indicated that China possessed more than 500 operational nuclear warheads, with projections suggesting the stockpile could exceed 1,000 by 2030.

(With inputs from agencies.)