Beijing: China needs to expand the number of its nuclear warheads to 1,000 at least to curb US strategic ambitions and impulses toward China, said the Global Times, a Chinese government mouthpiece. ‘Since the US no longer sees nuclear weapons as a mere deterrence – now viewing them as deployable on the battlefield – China will have to expand its nuclear arsenal in response to this immense threat. Also, to change the perception of US leaders towards China, said Global Times Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin taking an aggressive stand.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation. Both leaders discussed issues concerning China as well. The discussion is said to have covered the nuclear and arms control deal, new START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) and President Trump reiterated the suggestion to include China in it as well. The story the Global Times reported thus assumes much significance.
The Global Times Editorial by Xijin is even titled as ‘China needs to increase its nuclear warheads to 1,000’. Along with the advice to remain prepared with 1,000 nuclear warheads, Xijin has also demanded the arsenal include, at least 100 Dongfeng-41 strategic missiles and Julang missiles. The editorial goes on to claim that China is a peace-loving nation and has committed to never being the first to use nuclear weapons.
‘Some people may call me a “warmonger” because I want the country to have more nuclear warheads. They should instead give this label to US politicians’, the Global Times Editor-in-Chief lambasted. ‘I always hope China and the US can get along with each other, but peaceful coexistence between the two countries is not a thing that can be begged for; strategic tools shape it,’ the article voices his hawkish stand. The article assumes an insistent position towards the end of the report. It states the US only understands the language of might, and thus China must immediately accelerate its nuclear preparedness.
The Global Times is known to voice the ruling Chinese Communist Party’s stance. In the past, Chinese politicians and officials have corroborated the articles and speeches that have appeared in the daily. The stories, therefore, hint towards Chinese policies. Given due consideration, the suggestion of 1,000 nuclear warheads, is indicative towards China initiating the expansion of its nuclear arsenal.
Only last month, a report the US Department of State submitted, noted that China had secretly conducted nuclear tests. Since China had concealed information on the tests, it had raised questions over China’s intentions.
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