China unwilling to engage in nuclear arms race with US, diplomat says

The Chinese authorities will not increase their nuclear capabilities to participate in an arms race with the United States or other countries, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

"China's nuclear arsenal is not at all on the same level as the United States," the spokesperson said on the Ministry’s website, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.  

"China always maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level necessary to ensure national security. We do not participate in an arms race with anyone."

Lin Jian recalled that Beijing pursues a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and adheres to a self-defence strategy. He also declined to comment on the election rhetoric in the United States.

Earlier, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in an interview with X owner Elon Musk allowed that China would surpass the United States in the size of its nuclear arsenal as a result of its current buildup. "I wouldn't be surprised if they catch up or even surpass us very soon," he said.