A Chinese senior official reiterated on Saturday China's commitment to the principle of non-first-use of nuclear weapons, expressing concerns about the dangers of nuclear development at present.
"China maintains a very small nuclear arsenal, and China follows the policy of self-defense and minimum deterrence," said Fu Ying, a veteran diplomat and now chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.
She made the remarks during a panel discussion about nuclear security at the Munich Security Conference (MSC).
China is also committed to the principle of non-first-use of nuclear weapons, and under no circumstances will China use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones, she added.
"I share and express the concern about the danger, about the risk of the nuclear development," said Fu, adding that so far the world has managed to prevent a major nuclear war, but obviously the challenges and dangers are growing.
Fu Ying, chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of China's National People's Congress (fourth from the left) takes part in a panel discussion during the Munich Security Conference (MSC), February 17, 2018. /Photo via MSC website
She also called for efforts to upgrade global security governance.
"Some countries join the military alliance led by America, some don't. Do we have the same security need? Do we trust each other?" she asked.
"China supports and advocates the idea of common securities for all," she said, stressing that China proposes and is committed to building a community with shared future for mankind.
Fu: DPRK sanctions necessary but won't end tension
China views sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as necessary, but sanctions alone will not end nuclear tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Fu said during the panel discussion.
"We believe there should be no nuclear weapons. We hope to see a peaceful Korean Peninsula… Sanctions are necessary, but they alone will not get the job done. There has to be peace talks!" she said.
Fu Ying speaks during a panel discussion about nuclear security at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Germany, February 17, 2018. /Photo via MSC website
Both the DPRK and the US need to get on board if this is to happen, according to Fu. "I think there is a hope at talks. I hope the US will make up its mind... Both sides need to make an effort. One-sided effort will not be enough. Both sides need to trust each other," she said.
Fu praised fresh inter-Korean reconciliation through the Winter Olympics which had provided a great opportunity to resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear crisis.
UN chief says US-DPRK dialogue necessary
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Munich Security Conference on Friday that the world faces the threat of a nuclear conflict for the first time since the end of the Cold War because of events surrounding the DPRK's nuclear ambitions.
He urged policymakers “not to miss the opportunity of a peaceful resolution” to the standoff over the DPRK's nuclear program, saying a military solution would have “catastrophic consequences.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gives a speech during the 54th Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 16, 2018. /VCG Photo
He said it’s necessary to ensure that the US and the DPRK can “come together and have a meaningful discussion.” “I believe the United States is ready to do so," he added.
Fu echoed what Guterres said, noting that it is important that the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – namely China, the United States, Russia, Britain and France – should continue their efforts and continue to take responsibility to maintain global strategic stability, to safeguard non-proliferation regime, and to continue the nuclear disarmament.
(With input from agencies)
