pk-china-user China Daily: It has been reported that U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Christopher Yeaw, accused China of conducting nuclear explosive tests and stated that the United States would resume testing “on an equal footing” with other countries. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) noted on its website that it detected two very small seismic events in China on June 22, 2020, but said the available data alone is insufficient to determine their cause with certainty. What is China’s response?
Mao Ning: The U.S. accusation is baseless and completely unfounded. China has repeatedly stated that it firmly supports the purposes and objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and strictly observes the moratorium on nuclear testing—a commitment jointly upheld by the five nuclear-weapon states.
Attempting to evade arms control obligations through unfounded allegations only damages the United States’ own credibility. China urges the U.S. to honor its moratorium on nuclear testing, uphold the global consensus on banning nuclear tests, and stop using false pretexts to justify resuming such testing.
RIA Novosti: The UK authorities have expanded their sanctions list against Russia, adding around 250 individuals and companies, including entities from China and the UAE. What is China’s comment?
Mao Ning: China opposes unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council. We strongly deplore the relevant actions taken by the UK. Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China has consistently promoted peace talks and strictly regulated the export of dual-use items. Normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia should not be disrupted. China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
DPA: Before departing for Beijing, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined five guiding principles for his visit to China. Unlike the previous administration, he did not refer to China as a “systemic rival,” a term used in the former government’s China strategy. What is China’s view?
Mao Ning: China and Germany are comprehensive strategic partners. There are many successful examples of healthy competition and integrated development between our two countries. China-Germany cooperation is mutually beneficial and delivers tangible benefits to both peoples. Both sides should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, further advance bilateral relations, and jointly contribute to global peace and prosperity.
RIA Novosti: The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service claimed that the UK and France are preparing to transfer nuclear weapons to Kyiv, believing Ukraine should be supplied with an atomic or at least a “dirty” bomb to secure more favorable conditions for ending the conflict. What is China’s response?
Mao Ning: I am not familiar with the specifics of this statement. China’s consistent position is that nuclear weapons must not be used, nuclear wars must not be fought, and international non-proliferation obligations must be strictly observed. Dialogue on the Ukraine crisis has begun, and we hope all parties will seize this opportunity to reach a comprehensive, durable, and binding peace agreement. We call on all relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint, and avoid actions that could lead to misunderstanding, miscalculation, or further escalation.
RIA Novosti: U.S. Republican Senator Ted Cruz claimed that the governments of Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran could be replaced within six months by administrations friendly to the United States. Given China’s close relations with these countries, what is China’s comment?
Mao Ning: China firmly opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries under any pretext and rejects any violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the sovereignty of other nations.
