China Calls on US to Lead in Military and Nuclear Spending Reductions
In a recent press conference, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, urged the United States to adopt an \"America First\" approach by taking the initiative to reduce its nuclear arsenal and overall military expenditures.
\"It is incumbent upon the United States, a country in possession of the world's largest nuclear arsenal, to fulfill its special and primary responsibilities for nuclear disarmament and further make drastic and substantive cuts to its nuclear arsenal,\" Wu Qian stated.
The remarks come in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to engage in nuclear arms control talks with China and Russia, alongside his proposal to halve the defense budgets of these nations.
Wu emphasized that China remains committed to a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, maintaining a nuclear strategy centered on self-defense, and keeping its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level necessary for national security.
Highlighting the scale of the United States' defense spending, Wu pointed out that U.S. military expenditure has led globally for many years, surpassing the combined defense budgets of the next eight countries.
\"I believe that the United States should put into practice 'America First' in this regard and be the first to cut its nuclear arsenal and military expenditure,\" Wu concluded.
Reference(s):
U.S. should cut own military expenditure first: Chinese spokesperson
cgtn.com
