‘P5’ nuclear powers including China, US pledge to keep such weapons only for defence
- Nuclear weapons ‘should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war’, joint statement says
- Proclamation comes amid rising tension over advances in China’s military technology and friction between Washington and Moscow
The United States, China and three other nuclear-armed countries collectively known as the “P5” released a joint statement on Monday pledging to use nuclear weapons only for defensive purposes.
The move comes amid rising concerns over the growth of China’s military presence in the Pacific and advances in weapons technology.
Along with Britain, France and Russia, Washington and Beijing affirmed that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought”. The five countries are the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
“As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons – for as long as they continue to exist – should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war,” the group said. “We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented.”
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The statement follows a series of warnings by US defence officials in recent months that say China’s advances in military technology, including the size and scope of its nuclear missile arsenal, are becoming a serious challenge for America’s military.