Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian on Thursday criticized recent statements by US officials regarding nuclear strategy, calling them a reflection of “outdated thinking” as the United States seeks strategic superiority.
Lin’s remarks followed comments made by Rear Admiral Thomas Buchanan of US Strategic Command (STRATCOM), who said that the US would tolerate an exchange of nuclear strikes while retaining part of its nuclear arsenal to deter potential adversaries.
Lin accused the US of pursuing hegemony and absolute strategic superiority, stressing that Washington should instead fulfill its nuclear disarmament commitments and work to reduce strategic risks. He warned that the US’s growing reliance on nuclear weapons in its national security policy had escalated military tensions and nuclear risks globally.
