Marking the 60th anniversary of its first atomic bomb test, China has called on nuclear-armed nations to adopt a no-first-use policy, reinforcing its own stance on limiting the threat of nuclear escalation. Speaking at a Beijing press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China’s longstanding commitment to a no-first-use policy promotes global stability and reduces strategic risks.
On October 16, 1964, China joined the nuclear club with a test in Xinjiang’s Lop Nur, immediately declaring it would never be the first to use nuclear weapons. Mao highlighted that the policy continues to build international trust and cited China’s recent submission to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review Conference, advocating for mutual no-first-use agreements.
China’s call comes amid heightened military activity, including a publicized launch of a DF-31AG ICBM with a range capable of reaching the U.S., demonstrating China’s growing nuclear capabilities. As China’s nuclear arsenal—estimated at over 500 warheads—is expected to double by 2030, global attention remains fixed on its rapid arsenal expansion.
Though the U.S. has expressed doubts, citing China’s expanding and opaque nuclear build-up, China’s message to the international community was clear: it stands ready to work with other nations toward the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons, even as it strengthens its deterrence forces.