China: China’s Ministry of Defence has criticised the recent US report on Beijing’s growing military strength and nuclear arsenal.
“We express our strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this report,” Defence Ministry spokesperson Mr. Wu Qian said in a statement, calling the report “exaggerated hype about a non-existent Chinese military threat.’’
Mr. Wu noted that China’s growing military strength is necessary for safeguarding its national interests and as a deterrent to future wars.
According to reports, China is in the midst of two major campaigns to turn its People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into a “world-class military” by 2027 and achieve “national rejuvenation” by 2049.
The recent Pentagon report stated that China’s nuclear arsenal now includes more than 500 warheads, with the potential to reach more than 1,000 by 2023.
The analysis noted that China may also be planning how to build conventionally armed intercontinental-range missile systems capable of striking the US.
The Pentagon report also came after the US accused the PLA air force of more aggressive behaviour, saying there had been “over 180 instances of PLA coercive and risky air intercepts against US aircraft in the region.”
Mr. Wu stressed that US efforts to counter China’s military expansion were hypocritical.
“The United States pretends to be confused while doing things that harm China’s security interests, but at the same time shouting that it wants to manage the crisis and strengthen communication,” the Defence Ministry spokesperson added.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea under its controversial nine-dash line. The sea is also claimed in part by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The country also has maritime disputes with Japan over the Senkaku Islands, known as Diaoyu in China.
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