China presently does not need to participate in the nuclear disarmament negotiations initiated by Washington, the Foreign Ministry stated on Friday.
Beijing responded to the remark by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that any agreement on limiting nuclear weapons must involve the U.S., Russia, and China.
The Asian nation argued it is “neither reasonable nor realistic” to ask it to join the disarmament talks, as China’s nuclear strength “is by no means” at the same level as that of the two top nuclear powers.
“Sitting on an enormous nuclear arsenal, the U.S. should fulfill its special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a briefing.
Beijing also reacted to the reported plans by the Pentagon to spend an additional $12 billion on surveillance of Chinese military maneuvers, submarines, and satellites, to counter China’s buildup in Asia.
Ning noted that the move is not conducive to regional peace and stability, saying the U.S. uses the “so-called China threat” as a pretext to strengthen military deployment in the Asia Pacific.
On the conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, China said the intensity has gone beyond previous levels, warning that any protraction or escalation will inflict harm and losses on both sides.
China advised Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint, properly resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation, and end the fighting as soon as possible to “avoid more suffering.”
“China has been mediating between the two sides via its own channels, and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role for de-escalation and the improvement of relations,” Ming assured.
The Russian Foreign Ministry similarly expressed concern about the renewed Afghan-Pakistani clashes involving regular army units, air force assets, and heavy weapons.
The spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, urged the warring nations to “abandon this dangerous confrontation” and return to the negotiating table to settle all disagreements through political and diplomatic means.
