Communist China’s Defense Chief falsely claims its nuclear arsenal is ‘for self-defense’

It was reported on June 12th that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has made “impressive progress” in developing new nuclear weapons, which will only be used for self-defense, and the CCP will never be the first side to use such weapons, CCP Defense Minister Wei Fenghe told delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday.

In response to reports about the construction of over 100 new nuclear missile silos in eastern Communist China last year, Wei said that the CCP has been pursuing an appropriate path to develop nuclear capabilities to protect the country.

Wei added that the nuclear weapons displayed at the 2019 military parade in Beijing, which included the upgraded launchers for Communist China’s DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, have been put into use and deployed.

Wei said that the CCP has been developing its capabilities for over fifty years, and the progress made is impressive. He added by saying that the CCP’s policy has been consistent that the regime will use the weapons for self-defense, and will not be the first side to use them.

“The ultimate goal of the CCP’s nuclear arsenal is to prevent a nuclear war, and protect the hard work of the Chinese people, and the people from the scourge of nuclear war,” Wei said.

The U.S. State Department called the CCP’s nuclear buildup worrisome last year, and said Beijing appeared to be deviating from a decades-old nuclear strategy based on minimal deterrence. The U.S. called on the CCP to engage with it to take practical steps to reduce the risk of a destabilizing arms race.