Russia, China critical of new US nuke policy

February 4, 2018 at 16:30 JST

Russia criticizes new US nuclear policy

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180204_07/

Russia's foreign ministry has criticized the United States for trying to justify enhancing its nuclear capabilities as mainly to deter Russia.

A statement released on Saturday said Moscow was very disappointed and called the US move "confrontational" and "anti-Russia."

The statement said Russia can use nuclear weapons only when nuclear arsenals or weapons of mass destruction are used against the country and its allies.

It rebuffs the US claim that Russia mistakenly thinks it can settle conflicts with the threat of a nuclear first strike for its own benefit.

Russia said in light of the new US approach it will take measures needed to secure its own safety.

The United States issued the Nuclear Posture Review on Friday, which laid out a medium to long-term nuclear strategy.

The document says enhancing deterrence capabilities with low-yield nuclear arsenals is necessary. It says Russia and China are rapidly modernizing their nuclear capabilities.

February 4, 2018

China opposes new US nuclear strategy

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180204_13/

China has voiced its firm opposition to the new US nuclear strategy that outlines plans to expand the country's nuclear capabilities.

Chinese defense ministry spokesperson Ren Guoqiang criticized the US Nuclear Posture Review in a statement released on Sunday.

The US government issued the medium to long-term nuclear strategy on Friday. The document says enhancing deterrence capabilities with low-yield nuclear arsenals is necessary. It says Russia and China are rapidly modernizing their nuclear capabilities.

The document also says China continues to increase the number, capabilities and protection of its nuclear forces.

But in Sunday's statement, Ren accused the United States of "presumptuous speculation" about China's intentions. He said the US is playing up the threat of its nuclear strength.

Ren said China has always adopted a restrained attitude toward the development of nuclear weapons and has kept its nuclear forces to the minimum level required for national security.

He noted that the US owns the world's largest nuclear arsenal. He said China hopes that the US will discard its "cold-war mentality" and shoulder its own special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament.

The spokesman added that his country also wants the US to take a fair view of China's national defense and military development.