China reiterates ‘no first use’ nuclear weapons policy in response to US report

Visitors tour past military vehicles carrying the Dong Feng 41 and DF-17 ballistic missiles (AP)

Chinese defence chiefs have issued a scathing response to a US report alleging a major build-up in Beijing’s nuclear capabilities, insisting that China strictly adheres to its policy of no first use of nuclear weapons “at any time and under any circumstances”.

The Pentagon released its annual China security report last week, warning that Beijing would likely have 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035, and that it has provided no clarity on how it plans to use them.