Ministry of Defense Spokesperson Chen Xi Answers Questions from Reporters on China's Navy Organizing Submarine-Launched Strategic Missile Test Launch

Reporter: According to reports, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department recently stated that China launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine, and the rapid and opaque development of China's nuclear weapons has raised significant concerns in the region and around the world. The NATO Secretary General stated that we cannot be complacent about China. Countries such as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have also expressed concerns. What is your comment on this?

Chen Xi: The strategic nuclear submarines of the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a test launch of submarine-launched strategic missiles, achieving the expected objectives. This is a routine arrangement for annual military training, in accordance with international law and international practices. China informed relevant countries in advance, reflecting the openness and transparency of the Chinese military.

China adheres to a path of peaceful development, pursues a defensive national defense policy, and upholds a self-defense nuclear strategy, always maintaining its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security, without engaging in a nuclear arms race with any country. Our modernization of nuclear forces aims to ensure national strategic security and maintain global strategic stability.