BEIJING,
Aug 21 (Reuters) - China is seriously concerned about a report that
said the United Stated approved a nuclear strategic plan to focus on
China's rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal, the Chinese foreign
ministry said on Wednesday.
"The
U.S. is peddling the China nuclear threat narrative, finding excuses to
seek strategic advantage," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson
said.
According
to a report by the New York Times, U.S. President Joe Biden approved in
March a highly classified nuclear strategic plan that focused on
China's quickly growing arsenal, but also seeks to prepare the U.S for
possible coordinated nuclear challenges from China, Russia and North
Korea.
"China
is seriously concerned about the relevant report, and the facts have
fully proved that the United States has constantly stirred up the
so-called China nuclear threat theory in recent years," said Chinese
foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular press briefing.
The White House
said
on Tuesday that the classified nuclear strategic plan approved by Biden
this year is not a response to a single country or threat.
The
U.S. has consistently pointed to China's expansive and growing nuclear
weaponry. An annual report by the Pentagon last October said China had
more than 500 operational nuclear warheads in its arsenal, and will
probably have over 1,000 warheads by 2030.
Reporting by Mei Mei Chu; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Michael Perry