China Says It Is ‘Seriously Concerned’ about US Nuclear Strategic Report 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
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China Says It Is ‘Seriously Concerned’ about US Nuclear Strategic Report 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

China is seriously concerned about a report that said the United Stated approved a nuclear strategic plan to focus on China's rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

"The US is peddling the China nuclear threat narrative, finding excuses to seek strategic advantage," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said.

According to a report by the New York Times, US President Joe Biden approved in March a highly classified nuclear strategic plan that focused on China's quickly growing arsenal, but also seeks to prepare the US for possible coordinated nuclear challenges from China, Russia and North Korea.

"China is seriously concerned about the relevant report, and the facts have fully proved that the United States has constantly stirred up the so-called China nuclear threat theory in recent years," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing.

The White House said on Tuesday that the classified nuclear strategic plan approved by Biden this year is not a response to a single country or threat.

The US has consistently pointed to China's expansive and growing nuclear weaponry. An annual report by the Pentagon last October said China had more than 500 operational nuclear warheads in its arsenal and will probably have over 1,000 warheads by 2030.



Russia's Putin Meets Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Moscow

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's Premier Li Qiang shake hands during a meeting in Moscow, Russia August 21, 2024. Sputnik/Alexei Filippov/Pool via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's Premier Li Qiang shake hands during a meeting in Moscow, Russia August 21, 2024. Sputnik/Alexei Filippov/Pool via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights
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Russia's Putin Meets Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Moscow

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's Premier Li Qiang shake hands during a meeting in Moscow, Russia August 21, 2024. Sputnik/Alexei Filippov/Pool via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's Premier Li Qiang shake hands during a meeting in Moscow, Russia August 21, 2024. Sputnik/Alexei Filippov/Pool via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese premier Li Qiang in Moscow on Wednesday, the Kremlin said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

"Our countries have large-scale joint plans, projects in the economic and humanitarian areas, we expect them to last for many years," the RIA state news agency quoted Putin as saying.

Li said earlier on Wednesday that Beijing was ready to work with Russia to strengthen all-round practical cooperation.