Declaratory Policy-Related Statements and Developments

Declaratory Policy-Related Statements and Developments

This chronology includes statements and developments on issues related to declaratory policy, including no-first-use (NFU), negative and positive security assurances (NSA and PSA), China's attitude toward nuclear deterrence, and detargeting.

2003

12/3/03: The Information Office of the State Council issued a white paper asserting the nation’s nonproliferation policy thus far as well as outlining future steps to solidify this policy. The paper specifically notes the political and economic changes that China has experienced over the past decade and their effect on export controls, “So far, China has initially established a socialist market economy, and its non-proliferation export control pattern shifted from an administrative control to a law-based control.” The paper also explicitly states China’s general stance on non-proliferation with regards to its own interests, “The purpose of China’s foreign policy is to help safeguard world peace and promote common development. A developing China needs both an international and a peripheral environment of long-term peace and stability. The proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery benefits neither world peace and stability nor China’s own security.” The white paper in addition affirms China’s support of the use of the international community for further progress in non-proliferation, “Unilateralism and double standards must be abandoned, and great importance should be attached and full play given to the role of the United Nations.” [“Text of China’s White Paper on Non-Proliferation Policy.” Global News Wire, 3 December 2003.]

4/30/03: In a statement to the Second PrepCom for 2005 NPT RevCon on Nuclear Disarmament and Reduction of the Danger of Nuclear War, the Chinese delegation noted that:

"China has always exercised utmost restraint towards developing nuclear weapons, kept its nuclear arsenal at the minimum level only for self-defense. China has never been in any nuclear arms race, nor has it deployed any nuclear weapons outside of its territory."

The Chinese delegation held that the "total elimination of danger of nuclear war lies in the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons" and that in the short term "the reduction of the risk of nuclear war can be realized" through adoption of no-first-use, negative security assurances and nuclear weapons free zones; the withdrawal of nuclear weapons deployed outside of territories of nuclear weapons states; and establishing provisions to prevent accidental and unauthorized nuclear launches. In addition, and likely in response to reports that the U.S. government was moving towards development of a new generation of nuclear weapons, the Chinese delegation called on all nuclear-weapons states to not "research and develop low-yield and more-likely-used nuclear weapons."

4/28/2003: According to a statement by Ambassador Hu Xiaodi at the 2nd Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2005 NPT Review Conference, China has always held that:

"First, a complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons must be realized and a world free of nuclear weapons established. Second, nuclear deterrence policy based on the first use of nuclear weapons should be abandoned. Third, existing nuclear arsenals must be reduced in an irreversible, effectively verifiable and legally binding manner. Countries possessing the largest nuclear arsenals bear special and primary responsibility in this regard. Fourth, the principle of global strategic stability and undiminished security for all should be followed in nuclear disarmament. Fifth, no research and development work should be conducted into low-yield nuclear weapons or “mini-nukes” aimed at probable battlefield use and the policy of lowering threshold of use of nuclear weapons should be discarded. Sixth, missile defense programmes should not undermine global strategic balance or disrupt international or regional peace and stability. Negotiations should begin as early as possible to conclude relevant international legal instruments preventing weaponization of and arms race in outer space. Seventh, binding international instruments on the provision of security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon-states should be concluded. Eighth, the effectiveness, integrity, and universality of the NPT should be maintained and international nuclear non-proliferation efforts should be strengthened. Ninth, proliferation concerns should be addressed through adoption of a new security concept and by way of dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation, exertion of pressure or even use of military force. Tenth, the international efforts aimed at preventing proliferation of nuclear weapons and nuclear terrorism must not undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, developing ones in particular, in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy."

3/31/2003: During the 2003 Session of United Nations Disarmament Commission, Ambassador Hu Xiaodi stated that in order to promote nuclear disarmament:

"Countries should pursue a new security concept based upon mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation, and should work for a just and equitable new international political and economic order, so as to ensure common security for all and create a favorable international environment for nuclear disarmament.
Countries should refrain from introducing weapons into outer space. To this end, it is necessary to conclude respective international instruments through negotiation, with a view to maintaining global strategic balance and stability and promoting nuclear disarmament.
Nuclear disarmament measures, including interim ones, should be based on the principles of global strategic stability and undiminished security for all, thus being conducive to enhancing international peace and security.
The nuclear-weapon States possessing the largest nuclear arsenals bear special responsibility for nuclear disarmament and should take the lead in reducing their respective nuclear arsenals drastically and in a legally binding form. The nuclear weapons reduced should be destroyed. This will create conditions for other nuclear-weapon States to join in the nuclear disarmament process.
The reduction of nuclear weapons should be effectively verifiable, irreversible and in a legally binding manner.
All nuclear-weapon States should undertake not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones at any time or under any circumstances. International legal instruments to this effect should be concluded.
Nuclear-weapon States should withdraw all the nuclear weapons they have deployed abroad back into their own territories.
Countries that have not done so should sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty as soon as possible so that the Treaty may enter into force at an early date according to its provisions. Nuclear-weapon States should continue the moratorium on nuclear testing.
The Conference on Disarmament in Geneva should reach a work program at an early date to start the substantive work on such important issues as nuclear disarmament, banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and preventing an arms race in outer space.
The above-mentioned measures will lead to the negotiation and conclusion of a treaty on the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, thus paving the way towards a world free of nuclear weapons."

2002

11/14/2002: In the keynote address at the 2002 Carnegie International Non-Proliferation Conference, Mr. Liu Jieyi, Director-General of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China stated that:

"China has been firm, consistent and clear-cut in its policy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. We have all along stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction, and are firmly opposed to their proliferation. We have steadfastly pursued a policy of not advocating, encouraging or assisting any other country in developing weapons of mass destruction. This policy is not expediency, nor is there any selectivity in its application.”

4/8/2002: In a statement at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2005 NPT Review Conference, Ambassador Hu Xiaodi stated that:

"As a nuclear weapon State, China has never shied away from her responsibility in nuclear disarmament. China has, with her own action, made unique contribution to international nuclear disarmament. China consistently advocates a complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. .... China has never been in any nuclear arms race, nor has it deployed any nuclear weapons outside of China. China firmly believes that comprehensively banning nuclear test explosions is an important step in the process towards the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons."

2/7/2002: At the Plenary of the 2002 Session of the Conference on Disarmament, Mr. Hu Xiaodi reiterated China’s goals for the international nonproliferation regime:

“The ABM Treaty, which has been the underpinning of international strategic balance and stability for almost thirty years, will soon be abolished. How to establish and preserve global strategic balance and stability in the new context stands out as a pressing issue before the international community. In our view, the following principles and measures are of vital importance:

--A sustainable strategic stability framework based on international legal regimes should be established and preserved;

--The negotiations between the Russian Federation and the US on a new strategic framework should take into account the interests of every State and aim at ensuring common security. They should address the security concerns of all countries and should be open and transparent;

--Major nuclear powers should further cut their huge nuclear arsenals in a verifiable and irreversible manner through legally binding instrument(s);

--The CTBT, which aims at promoting nuclear disarmament and non- proliferation, deserves respect and should enter into force upon adequate ratification;

--The commitment of mutual de-targeting by the Nuclear Weapons States should be observed. The nuclear deterrence doctrine characterized by the policy of first-use should be abandoned;

--Measures should be taken to prevent the weaponization of and an arms race in outer space.” [Statement by Mr Hu Xiaodi at the Plenary of the 2002 Session of the Conference on Disarmament. February 7, 2002. Geneva. http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/24967.html]

2001

10/09/2001: At the First Committee of the 56th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Hu Xiaodi stated:

"For the nuclear-weapons-states, to abandon the Cold War thinking, they should first and foremost readjust fundamentally their offensive nuclear strategies by renouncing the policy of the first use of nuclear weapons. Therefore, the Chinese Government wishes to renew its appeal that the five nuclear-weapon-states undertake never to be the first to use nuclear weapons against one another, and undertake unconditionally and in a legally binding manner never to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states. This will help enhance mutual trust and cooperation among countries, and facilitate the process of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and the establishment of a fair and rational international security order."

3/23/2001: At a briefing on missile defense, Chinese Ambassador Sha Zukang stated that:

"In addition to the fact that we have very limited number of nuclear warheads, China has voluntarily and unilaterally undertaken not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states. So, the facts I referred to above fully demonstrate that we have a few nuclear weapons purely for self-defense. We have never involved ourselves in any arms race. As for whether we are afraid of something, the Chinese people are not even afraid of death! So I don’t think there is anything China is afraid of. But that doesn’t mean China is anxious to have arms race with anyone. We didn’t participate, we are not participating, and we will never participate in any arms race. [http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/9375.html]"

3/14/2001: At a briefing on missile defense, Chinese Ambassador Sha Zukang discussed “existing mutual deterrence” between China and the United States:

We are against NMD, not because we intend to threaten the security of the U.S. with our nuclear weapons. We just hope that the existing mutual deterrence between the two countries can be preserved. As is known to all, China’s nuclear arsenal is the smallest and least advanced among the five nuclear powers. Yet, China is the first to pursue the policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons. Of course, China will not allow its legitimate means of self-defense to be weakened or even taken away by anyone in anyway. This is one of the most important aspects of China’s national security.” [Statement by Ambassador Sha Zukang at a NMD briefing, Beijing. 14 March 2001. http://www.chinese-embassy.no/eng/9186.html]

2000

10/2000: For the first time since 1995, the 2000 white paper on China’s National Defense stated that Chinese nuclear forces are intended for deterrence. Unlike the 1998 white paper, the 2000 white paper did not make reference to the deterrence policies in other countries:

“China maintains a small but effective nuclear counterattacking force in order to deter possible nuclear attacks by other countries.” [China’s National Defense in 2000. Defense White Paper. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. October 2000. http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/32221.html]

07/2000: The first hints of a Chinese nuclear weapons doctrine surfaced in July 2000 during the Central Military Commission conference on strategic military equipment. Jiang Zemin outlined the "Five Musts" on nuclear weapons:

- China must own strategic nuclear weapons of a definite quality and quantity in order to ensure national security.
- China must guarantee the safety of strategic nuclear bases and prevent against the loss of combat effectiveness from attacks and destruction by hostile countries.
- China must ensure that its strategic nuclear weapons are at a high degree of war preparedness.
- When an aggressor launches a nuclear attack against China, China must be able to launch nuclear counterattack and nuclear re-attack against the aggressor.
- China must pay attention to the global situation of strategic balance and stability and, when there are changes in the situation, adjust its strategic nuclear weapon development strategy in a timely manner.

6/15/2000: At the Plenary Meeting of the United Nations Disarmament Commission, Shen Guofang urged all nuclear weapons states to adopt a no-first-use policy:

China has all along advocated comprehensive prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. The Chinese delegation is of the view that, the most rational and feasible confidence-building measures under current circumstances, is for nuclear-weapon states to undertake unconditionally and in a legal form not to be the first to use nuclear weapons, and not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. Prohibition of the first use of nuclear weapons will increase mutual trust among nuclear-weapon states as well as between nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states. This will reduce the risk of nuclear war and create necessary conditions for the complete prohibition of nuclear weapons. [Shen Guofang. Plenary Meeting of the United Nations Disarmament Commission. June 2000. http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/5230.html]

1999

3/26/99: In the first speech on arms control by a Chinese President, Jiang Zemin outlined the contours of China's nuclear policy and re-stated China's call for the nuclear weapon states to adopt a no-first-use policy:

"Nuclear weapon states should, as soon as possible, undertake unconditionally and in a legally-binding manner not to be the first to use nuclear weapons or use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states. On the first day when China came into possession of nuclear weapons, it openly announced that it would never be the first to use nuclear weapons as any time and under any circumstances. It has also pledged in an unequivocal manner thereafter that it will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states. Since the non-nuclear-weapon states have explicitly forgone the development of nuclear weapons, it goes without saying that they should be free from the threat of nuclear weapons. Now that the Cold war has ended and the relations between nuclear-weapon states have improved, the conditions are ripe for them to commit themselves to mutual no-first-use of nuclear weapons. China is ready to actively push for the early conclusion of an international legal instrument on this issue." [Chinese President Jiang Zemin Address at the Conference on Disarmament, "Promote Disarmament and Safeguard World Security, 26 March 1999.]

1998

11/24/98: In remarks to American journalists at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, embassy officials stated:

"the nuclear status of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council is a product of history. In our opinion, favoring the NPT doesn't mean the nuclear weapons states will enjoy the permanent privilege of possessing nuclear weapons. China has all along urged countries with the largest nuclear arsenals to speed up the process of nuclear weapon reduction. As a nuclear state, China will never shirk its own responsibility for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons in the end."["India-China claims 'active approach,' The Hindu, 24 November 1998.]

1997

12/9/97: In response to the updated US guidelines on its nuclear strategy (issued in November), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Tang Guoqiang stated: "We urge the United States in the strongest terms to abandon the policy of nuclear deterrence and continue to cut its nuclear weapons significantly...Now that the Cold War is over, the international situation has eased a lot. The United States still possesses a large arsenal of nuclear weapons...It stubbornly sticks to its policy of nuclear deterrence. It goes against the trends of peace, cooperation, and development in our world." [South China Morning Post, 10 December 1997; "China tells U.S. to cut nuclear arsenal," Reuter, 9 December 1997.]

6/27/97: In remarks to the Conference on Disarmament (CD), Chinese Disarmament Ambassador Sha Zukang stated:

"On this issue [of negative security assurances], my delegation would give its unwavering support to the legitimate demand from the G-21 [group of non-aligned members of the CD]. The reason is as follows: in recent years there have been great changes. Although we are confronted with various kinds of difficulties in the international situation, changes of a fundamental nature have occurred. This is a fact of life. In other words, the cold war is over. Under the new international circumstances the nuclear Powers have no reason whatsoever not to provide the non-nuclear-weapon States with assurances not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against them. In particular, in 1995 the NPT Treaty was extended indefinitely. Most non-nuclear-weapon States supported the indefinite extension of that treaty or at least accepted the indefinite extension. Despite the fact that China itself is a nuclear Power, my delegation holds the view that this constitutes maximum flexibility and a sacrifice made on the part of non-nuclear-weapon States. Therefore, the non-nuclear-weapon States' demand for early assurances not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against them is absolutely legitimate. We cannot say that in the world today only nuclear-weapon States should enjoy absolute security whereas other countries shall not have what they deserve in terms of security. Therefore, if a decision is put to a vote, my delegation will resolutely support the establishment of an ad hoc committee." [Statement by Sha Zukang, Chinese Disarmament Ambassador, to the Conference on Disarmament, on an APL ban, 26 June 1997.]

4/8/97: China's Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs Sha Zukang stated:

“Though the Cold War has already come to an end, some countries are still adhering to the policy of nuclear deterrence based on the first use of nuclear weapons…the nuclear-weapon states concerned should abandon their policy of nuclear deterrence...[China's] very limited nuclear force is for the sole purpose of self-defense, and for maintaining world peace, countering nuclear blackmail and threat, preventing nuclear war and ultimately eliminating nuclear weapons…China has never joined in the nuclear arms race. China has never deployed nuclear weapons outside its borders. China has never even threatened to use nuclear weapons against any country." ["Statement by H.E. Mr. Sha Zukang, Ambassador for Disarmament Affairs and Head of Delegation of the People's Republic of China at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2000 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," 8 April 1997.]

1996

11/28/96: During a regularly scheduled press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Cui Tiankai answered the following question:

Question: "Why does China oppose a US proposal which was similar to a Sino-Russian accord on not targeting each other with nuclear weapons?"

Answer: "Chinese and Russian leaders issued a joint statement in September 1994 pledging not to use military force against each other, and especially not to strike first with nuclear weapons. The two countries promised to take steps to ensure that their strategic nuclear weapons are not targeted against each other."

"What should be stressed is that when China and Russia promised not to target each other with nuclear weapons, they also pledged simultaneously to avoid the use of military force, especially the first use of nuclear weapons, against each other."

"China hopes to reach an agreement with the United States on the mutual non-use of military force, especially first-strike use of nuclear weapons. China also hopes that the two sides can at the same time reach an agreement on not targeting each other with strategic nuclear weapons."

"Only by doing so can the two countries contribute to their own security and to the stability of the entire world." ["Foreign Ministry News Briefs," Beijing Review, 16 - 22 December 1996, p. 6; Newsletter: Embassy of the People's Republic of China.]

11/25/96: US Assistant Secretary of State Winston Lord stated: "We would favor a de-targeting agreement with the Chinese, even as we have one with the Russians...We're not aiming weapons at each other, but it would be a confirmation." [Warren P. Strobel, "China Rejects US Offer On Pact Against Aiming Nukes At Each Other," Washington Times, 26 November 1996, p. A13.]

10/10/96: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Shen Guofang stated that during talks with the US ACDA Director John Holum on 7 October 1996 and 8 October 1996, Beijing pushed for a US-China no-first-use agreement similar to that which China signed with Russia. But Shen said the US side only supports the idea of an agreement on detargeting. [Newsletter: Embassy of the People's Republic of China, 23 October 1996.]

10/96: During a visit by a US delegation headed by Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) Director John Holum to Beijing, the United States will reportedly push for a bilateral US-China detargeting agreement, similar to those in place between the United States and Russia, and China and Russia. According to a State Department official: "We want to talk to them about a detargeting agreement. The United States and Russia have detargeted; so have China and Russia, so now it's time to come full circle." [Barbara Opall, "US To Press Chinese On Nuclear Targeting," Defense News, 13/ October 1996, p. 3.]

9/25/96: In a speech to the UN General Assembly, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen stated:

"China has always stood for the comprehensive prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. We think that the CTBT is only the first step in the entire process of comprehensive nuclear disarmament. At present, there are still huge stockpiles of nuclear weapons in the world. Some nuclear powers still refuse to undertake not to be the first to use nuclear weapons. We still have a long way to go, and should continue to make great efforts to achieve the goal of thoroughly eliminating nuclear weapons.

To advance the process of nuclear disarmament and to eliminate the danger of nuclear war once and for all, I would like to renew the following appeals [made on 29 July 1996] on behalf of the Chinese Government:

(1) The major nuclear powers should renounce their policy of nuclear deterrence, and those possessing huge nuclear arsenals should continue to drastically cut back their stockpiles;

(2) All nuclear states should assume the obligation not to be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time or under any circumstances; promise unconditionally to renounce the use or threat of use of such weapons against non-nuclear states or nuclear-free zones; and conclude international instruments to this effect without delay;

(3) Those states which have deployed nuclear weapons overseas should withdraw all of their weapons; all nuclear states should pledge support for the call to set up nuclear-free zones, respect the status of such zones, and assume corresponding obligations;

(4) All states should refrain from developing or deploying weapons systems in outer space and missile defense systems that undermine strategic security and stability; and

(5) All states should negotiate with a view to concluding an international convention on the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons.

Since mankind was able to produce nuclear weapons in the 20th century, it is entirely capable of eliminating them in the 21st century. The Chinese Government and people are ready to join hands with all governments and peoples in the world to strive for the realization of this lofty goal." [Xinhua (Beijing), 25 September 1996; in FBIS-CHI-96-188, 25 September 1996.]

8/27/96: The official Chinese newspaper People's Daily stated that "Some nuclear powers stubbornly uphold policies of nuclear deterrence based on first use of nuclear weapons." ["Nuclear Pact Will Be A Step To Disarmament--China," Reuters, 27 August 1996.]

7/29/96: After its 45th nuclear test, China stated that "Major nuclear weapon states should abandon their policy of nuclear deterrence" and also stated that "has never deployed nuclear weapons outside its border," and urged that all "States with nuclear weapons deployed outside their borders should withdraw all these weapons home." China also appealed to the other nuclear-weapon states to, inter alia, undertake unconditional no-first-use (NFU) and negative security assurances (NSAs) against non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS) and nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs), concluding international agreements to that effect. [Xinhua (Beijing), 29 July 1996; in "PRC: 'Text' Of Statement On Nuclear Tests," FBIS; Guo Nei, "China Ceases Nuclear Tests," China Daily (Beijing), 30 July 1996; in "PRC: Pledged Moratorium On Nuclear Tests Begin 'Effective Today,'" FBIS, 30 July 1996.]

7/9-7/11/96: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Cui Tiankai, in response to the following question: "The International Court of Justice has declared that using nuclear weapons is illegal, but to use them for self-defense is legal. What's your comment on this?", said: "For more than 30 years China's stand on the nuclear issue has been clear and consistent. China has declared that it will not be the first to use nuclear weapons, nor will it use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapons nations. So far no other nuclear nations have made a similar commitment." ["News Briefing By The Chinese Foreign Ministry," Beijing Review, 29 July - 4 August 1996, p. 10.]

3/96: China provides a specific NSA to Ukraine [UNIAR (Kiev), 4 March 1996; in "Ukraine: China Offers Security Guarantee As Nuclear-Free State," FBIS-SOV-96-044, 4 March 1996.]

1995

11/11/95: In an academic paper, Liu Huaqiu, a Chinese arms control researcher, outlined three prerequisites for Chinese participation in nuclear arms control:

(1) "All nuclear countries must reach an agreement not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use, or threaten to use, nuclear weapons against countries that do not have nuclear weapons or against nuclear free zones;"

(2) "The United States and Russia must reduce their nuclear weapon stockpiles to a level comparable to that of medium-size nuclear countries;" and

(3) "Halt the development of ballistic missiles defense (BMD) systems, including the current theater missile defense (TMD) system, because the latter has potential anti-strategic missile capabilities."

Liu also stated that "A no first use of nuclear weapons agreement will include a guarantee of no use, or no deterrent use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries and nuclear-free zones." [Liu Huaqiu, Xiandai Junshi (Conmilit) (Beijing), 11 November 1995, pp. 15-18; in "Analysis Of Nuclear Arms Control Policy," FBIS-CHI-95-246, 11 November 1995.]

11/95: In its white paper on arms control and disarmament, China stated that it has undertaken "unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones." ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995.]

10/17/95: Chinese Disarmament Ambassador Sha Zukang stated:

"In the post-cold war era of today, it is obviously anachronistic to continue with the policy of nuclear deterrence based on the first-use of nuclear weapons and thus subjecting other countries to nuclear threat." [Statement by Sha Zukang, Chinese Disarmament Ambassador, at the General Debate of the First Committee of the 50th Session of the UN General Assembly, 17 October 1995.]

8/17/95: A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that "its possession of a small number of nuclear weapons is solely for the purpose of self-defense and poses no threat to any other country." He also stated that "China has always held that pending the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, all nuclear-weapon States should undertake not to be the first to use nuclear weapons and not to use or threaten to use such weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States and nuclear-weapon-free zones at any time or under any circumstances. China strongly calls upon other nuclear-weapon states to respond positively to China's initiative by starting negotiations immediately with a view to concluding a treaty on mutual non-first-use or threat of use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones." ["Statement Of The Spokesman Of The Foreign Ministry Of The People's Republic Of China," 17 August 1995.]

4/18/95: In a statement to the NPT Review and Extension Conference (NPTREC), Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen stated that China "calls for the conclusion of a treaty on no-first-use of nuclear weapons by the nuclear-weapon States, and has presented its draft treaty to the other four nuclear-weapon States." Qian also said that China "welcomes the UN Security Council resolution on security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States concerned adopted on 11 April and hopes that unconditional security assurances will be provided to all non-nuclear-weapon States at an early date in the form of an international legal instrument." Qian further stated that China "does not endorse the policy of nuclear deterrence and the nuclear weapons developed by China are solely for self-defense, never meant to pose against or threaten any specific country." ["Statement By H.E. Qian Qichen, Vice Premier And Foreign Minister And Head Of Delegation Of The People's Republic Of China At The 1995 Review And Extension Conference Of The Parties To The Treaty On The Non-Proliferation Of Nuclear Weapons," 18 April 1995.]

4/11/95: China, along with the other four declared nuclear weapons states (United States, Russia, France, and United Kingdom) adopted UN Security Council resolution 984, of 11 April 1995, which harmonized positive security assurances (PSAs) among the five nuclear weapon states. [UNSC resolution 984, 11 April 1995.]

4/6/95: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Chen Jian stated:

"To provide security assurances to the non-nuclear countries without any condition is the persistent position of China. China's National Statement on Security Assurances is conducive to strengthening world peace and stability and will facilitate realization of the goal of complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons. The security assurance of the non-nuclear-weapon states is a matter of grave concern and it is natural for the nuclear-weapon states to provide security assurances to the non-nuclear-weapon states. On this issue, the five nuclear-weapon states will adopt a consistent position and action, and this can promote security of non-nuclear-weapon states and even the peace and security of the world as a whole." ["News Briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry," Beijing Review, 24-30 April 1995, p. 22.]

4/6/95: In its national statement on the provision of security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States, China reiterated its unconditional no-first-use (NFU) pledge and negative security assurances (NSAs) to all non-nuclear weapons states and nuclear weapon free zones, and undertook to provide positive security assurances (PSAs) to "any non-nuclear-weapon State party to the [NPT] or any non-nuclear-weapon State that has undertaken any comparable international binding commitments not to manufacture or acquire nuclear explosive devices". China also called upon the nuclear weapon states to conclude legally-binding NFU and NSA conventions. [Chinese plenary statement to the Conference on Disarmament, 6 April 1995.]

4/5/95: China's stated its policy with regard to NFU is as follows:

"China undertakes not to be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time or under any circumstances."

China also stated its policy with regard to negative and positive security assurances (NSAs and PSAs). On NSAs, China stated:

"China undertakes not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon States or nuclear-weapon-free zones at any time or under any circumstances. This commitment naturally applies to non-nuclear-weapon States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or non-nuclear-weapon States that have undertaken any comparable internationally binding commitments not to manufacture or acquire nuclear explosive devices."

And, on PSAs, China offered PSAs for the first time in April 1995, stating:

"China, as a Permanent Member of the Security Council of the United Nations, undertakes to take action within the Council in order that the Council take appropriate measures to provide, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, necessary assistance to any non-nuclear-weapon State that comes under attack with nuclear weapons, and impose strict and effective sanctions on the attacking State. This commitment naturally applies to any non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons or any non-nuclear-weapon State that has undertaken any comparable internationally binding commitments not to manufacture or acquire nuclear explosive devices, in case of an aggression with nuclear weapons or the threat of such aggression against the State.

The positive security assurance’ provided by China, as contained [above], does not in any way compromise China's position [on pushing for an international agreement on non-first-use and negative security assurances] and shall not in any way be construed as endorsing the use of nuclear weapons." ["China's National Statement On Security Assurances," 5 April 1995.]

3/3/95: At a conference held in Goa, India, current and former government officials and analysts from India, Pakistan, China, and the United States adopted by consensus a document urging all nuclear weapon states to sign an agreement pledging no-first-use of nuclear weapons and on non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states. [Hindu, 5 March 1995, p. 6.]

2/23/95: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Chen Jian stated, with regard to its 8 February 1995 negative security assurances to Kazakstan:

"Since it launched its first atomic bomb, China declared that it would not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries and nuclear free zones and would not be the first to use nuclear weapons against nuclear countries. This policy is in force unconditionally and we are glad to provide security assurances to Kazakstan. However, China always opposes any separation of its territory and sovereignty supported by those countries which have established diplomatic relations with China." ["News Briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry," Beijing Review, 6-12 March 1995, p. 24.]

2/8/95: China provided specific negative security assurances (NSA) to Kazakstan that it would never use nuclear weapons against it. According to a Chinese government statement, "the Chinese government has unconditionally undertaken not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones...This longstanding principled position also applies to Kazakstan." [China gives security assurance to Kazakstan, Reuters, 8 February 1995; "Kazakhs Win Nuclear Pledge," Financial Times, 9 February 1995, p. 6.]

2/2/95: In a statement to the Conference on Disarmament, China stated that

"On the very first day when it came into possession of nuclear weapons China unilaterally and unconditionally committed itself never to be the first to use nuclear weapons and has since consistently called for the conclusion of an international treaty prohibiting the first use of nuclear weapons against one another by all nuclear-weapon States. It is obvious that currently the conditions are ripe for the negotiation and conclusion of such a treaty. China has formally proposed to other nuclear-weapon States that such negotiations should be started immediately and has presented a draft treaty to this end."

China also stated that "The Chinese Government fully understands and supports the demand of all non-nuclear-weapon States for security assurances...China has all along believed that security assurances, whether positive or negative, should be provided to all the non-nuclear-weapon States." [Chinese plenary statement to the Conference on Disarmament, 2 February 1995.]

1995: China signed the protocols to the Pelindaba Treaty, which issued specific legally-binding NSAs to the signatories of the African Nuclear Weapons Free Zone [Yan Xuetong, Xiandai Guoji Guanxi (Beijing), 20 August 1995, pp. 23-38; Reuters (Beijing), 8 February 1995; in Executive News Service, 8 February 1995; Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 62.]

1994

10/94: During a visit by US Defense Secretary William Perry to Beijing, China rejected a US offer to conclude a detargeting agreement. [Barbara Opall, "US To Press Chinese On Nuclear Targeting," Defense News, 13 October 1996, p. 3.]

9/3/94: Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a joint statement which included measures to ensure the detargeting (non-targeting) of strategic nuclear missiles, a statement that neither country will be the first to use nuclear weapons on the other, and unspecified measures for detargeting previously trained missiles.

Both countries agreed to "consistently fulfill their obligations not to target strategic nuclear weapons against the other and not to use force against the other, in particular, not to be the first to use nuclear weapons against the other." [Sergei Shargorodsky, "China, Russia Seal Ties By Not Pointing Nukes At Each Other," Washington Times, 4 September 1994, p. A8; "China And Russia Issue Joint Statement," Beijing Review, 12-18 September 1994, p. 18; Banning N. Garrett and Bonnie S. Glaser, "Chinese Perspectives On Nuclear Arms Control," International Security, Winter 1995/96, p. 68; Andrey Kirillov, Anna Melnikova, and Vladimir Solntsev, Itar-Tass World Service (Moscow), 3 September 1994; in FBIS-SOV-94-172, 6 September 1994, p. 19; Nadezhda Potapova, Itar-Tass (Moscow), 6 September 1994; in FBIS-SOV-94-172, 6 September 1994, pp. 18-19.]

9/2/94: Chinese President Jiang Zemin began talks with Russian leaders in Moscow. The talks are to culminate in the signing of a bilateral agreement in which China and Russia will detarget their nuclear missiles. [G. Hutchings, Daily Telegraph, 2 September 1994, p. 2.]

Fall 1994: At the 49th Session of the UN General Assembly, China issued a nuclear disarmament proposal, including unconditional no-first-use declarations and negotiations toward such a convention; negative security assurances toward non-nuclear-weapon states and NWFZs; a CTBT no later than 1996; implementation of current nuclear disarmament treaties; further reductions; a fissile material cut-off treaty; and a convention prohibiting nuclear weapons. ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995, Beijing Review, 27 November - 3 December 1995, pp. 22-23.]

6/10/94: The Chinese Foreign Ministry issue a statement calling for the "other nuclear-weapon States to give up their policy of nuclear deterrence and commit themselves explicitly to the complete prohibition and total destruction of nuclear weapons." ["Statement Of The Spokesman Of The Foreign Ministry Of The People's Republic Of China," 10 June 1994.]

4/19/94: Chinese ambassador to the UN Disarmament Commission Hou Zhitong said that the time has arrived for the five nuclear powers to sign an agreement forswearing the use of, or threats to use, nuclear weapons against non-nuclear signatory states. [Gao Jianxin, Xinhua (Beijing), 20 April 1994; in JPRS-TND-94-011, 16 May 1994, p. 1; Xinhua (Beijing), 25 March 1994; in JPRS-TND-94-008, 1 April 1994, p. 5.]

3/24/94: Chinese Ambassador to the UN Disarmament Commission, Hou Zhitong, said that on 23 December 1993, China had proposed to the United States and Russia that the five nuclear powers begin negotiations on the "Non-First-Use of Nuclear Weapons," and that China had renewed its calls for action on the matter in March 1994. [Gao Jianxin, Xinhua (Beijing), 20 April 1994; in JPRS-TND-94-011, 16 May 1994.]

2/94: China invited all four other nuclear-weapon states (i.e. United States, Russia, United Kingdom, and France) to begin NFU negotiations in Beijing. [Banning N. Garrett and Bonnie S. Glaser, "Chinese Perspectives On Nuclear Arms Control," International Security, Winter 1995/96, p. 65.]

1/94: China formally presented a draft Treaty on the No-First-Use of Nuclear Weapons to the other four nuclear-weapon states (United States, Russia, United Kingdom, and France) and other countries. China proposed first-round discussions by the five nuclear-weapon states in Beijing. ["China: Arms Control And Disarmament," Information Office of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, November 1995, Beijing Review, 27 November - 3 December 1995, p. 22.]

1993

12/93: Chinese ambassador to the United States Li Daoyu stated in an article that "China believes that a pledge by all nuclear-weapons states not to use nuclear weapons at all [is crucial], because this will not only make their testing, development, production or deployment devoid of any meaning, but will also give a great impetus to nuclear disarmament and is a more effective step toward the non-proliferation goal underscored by NPT." [Li Daoyu, "Foreign Policy And Arms Control: The View From China," Arms Control Today, December 1993, p. 9.]

12/23/93: China called for five-power negotiations toward creating an NFU and NSA treaty:

"We strongly call upon all the nuclear-weapon states to undertake the same commitment as China and to conduct parallel negotiations aimed at early conclusion of an international convention on unconditional non-first-use of nuclear weapons and non-use and non-threat-of-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states and nuclear-free zones." [Li Daoyu, "Foreign Policy And Arms Control: The View From China," Arms Control Today, December 1993, p. 9; Banning N. Garrett and Bonnie S. Glaser, "Chinese Perspectives On Nuclear Arms Control," International Security, Winter 1995/96, pp. 64-65; Gao Jianxin, Xinhua (Beijing), 20 April 1994; in JPRS-TND-94-011, 16 May 1994.]

1992

4/24/92: In a working paper to the United Nations, China stated that "even after cutting their nuclear arsenals in accordance with their agreements and announcements, [the United States and the USSR] will still possess the largest number of nuclear weapons in the world." Both countries should therefore:

(1) "take the lead in halting the testing, production and deployment of nuclear weapons";

(2) "drastically cut all types of nuclear weapons deployed at home and abroad"; and

(3) "major space powers should halt the arms race in outer space and the development of space weapons, especially nuclear-related space weapons." [J. Mohan Malik, "China's Policy Towards Nuclear Arms Control In The Post-Cold War Era," Contemporary Security Policy, August 1995, p. 7.]

1990

9/11/90: In a position paper to the fourth NPT Review Conference, China stated that one criticism it has with the NPT is that "it lacks provisions banning deployment of nuclear weapons on the territories of the non-nuclear-weapon countries. This is the main flaw of the Treaty." ["Basic Position Paper Presented by China to the Fourth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," 11 September 1990.]

1988

1988: China ratified protocols 2 and 3 of the Treaty of Rarotonga, which issued specific legally-binding NSAs to the signatories of the South Pacific Nuclear Weapons Free Zone [Yan Xuetong, Xiandai Guoji Guanxi (Beijing), 20 August 1995, pp. 23-38; Reuters (Beijing), 8 February 1995; in Executive News Service, 8 February 1995; Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 62.]

1987

3/23/87: At the UN Regional Conference on the World Disarmament Campaign in Beijing, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qian Qichen stated:

"China has consistently opposed the arms race and will never take part in it. We stand for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all nuclear, chemical, biological, and space weapons and for a drastic reduction of conventional weapons. As early as 1964, China declared explicitly on the very first day when it came into possession of nuclear weapons that at no time and under no circumstances will it be the first to use nuclear weapons. China has also undertaken not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against nonnuclear states or nuclear-free zones."

1982

4/16/82: China presented a working paper entitled "On Effective International Arrangements to Assure Non-Nuclear-Weapon States against the Use or Threat of Use of Nuclear Weapons" to the Conference on Disarmament.

1981

8/6/81: China presented a working paper entitled "On the Question of Security Assurances" to the Conference on Disarmament.

8/4/81: Yu Peiwen, the head of China's delegation to the Conference on Disarmament, stated:

"China is opposed to major power nuclear monopoly. Like many other peace-loving countries, China does not advocate or encourage nuclear proliferation, and we are emphatically opposed to any production of nuclear weapons by racists and expansionists such as South Africa and Israel."

"The nuclear-weapons states should recognize the fact that the non-nuclear-weapon states find themselves menaced by the danger of nuclear war and nuclear threat and that it is the strong demand of the peoples of the world that the superpowers halt the arms race and carry our nuclear disarmament. The nuclear weapons states should unconditionally guarantee not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against the non-nuclear-weapon states without further delay, and at the same time, they should take effective measures to carry out nuclear disarmament until the ultimate goal of complete prohibition and total destruction of nuclear weapons is achieved. China has unilaterally undertaken the unconditional commitment not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and suggests that, when an international convention on security assurances is elaborated, the inclusion of such commitments should be taken into consideration." [Xinhua, 4 August 1981; in FBIS Special Memorandum, 18 December 1991.]

1970s

2/14/79: Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping stated to Indian journalists: "We stand for destroying all nuclear weapons completely. However, the nuclear powers have no right to prevent non-nuclear countries from possessing nuclear weapons unless these powers commit themselves to destroy their nuclear weapons completely or guarantee not to be the first to use them." [Xinhua, 14 February 1979; in FBIS Special Memorandum, 18 December 1991.]

5/29/78: Chinese Foreign Minister Huang Hua, in a speech at the First Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly devoted to disarmament, stated that in order to reduce the threat of nuclear war to small and medium-sized countries, all nuclear-weapon states should undertake not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-free zones. ["China: Working Paper: On the Question of Security Assurances (CD/207)," 6 August 1981.]

1974: China ratified the protocol 2 of the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which issued specific legally-binding NSAs to the signatories of the Latin American Nuclear Weapons Free Zone. [Yan Xuetong, Xiandai Guoji Guanxi (Beijing), 20 August 1995, pp. 23-38; Reuters (Beijing), 8 February 1995; in Executive News Service, 8 February 1995; Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 62.]

1960s

10/16/64: In the statement after its first nuclear weapon explosion, the Chinese government stated that:

"The Chinese Government hereby solemnly proposes to the governments of the world that a summit conference of all the countries of the world be convened to discuss the questions of the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, and that as the first step, the summit conference conclude an agreement to the effect that the nuclear powers and those countries which may soon become nuclear powers undertake not to use nuclear weapons either against non-nuclear countries and nuclear-free zones or against each other." ["Statement of the Government of the People's Republic of China," 16 October 1964.]

7/31/63:

China proposed a world summit conference to discuss nuclear disarmament. China proposed four steps toward complete disarmament:

(1) Dismantling all foreign bases and withdrawing all nuclear weapons from abroad;

(2) Establishing nuclear-free zones in Asia and the Pacific, Central Europe, Africa, and Latin America;

(3) The non-export and non-import of nuclear weapons and the technical information for their production; and

(4) A halt to all nuclear testing, including underground. [Walter C. Clemens, Jr., "China," in Richard Dean Burns, ed., Encyclopedia of Arms Control and Disarmament, Vol. 1, p. 66.]

[CHINA AND NO FIRST USE (NFU)]

[CHINA AND SECURITY ASSURANCES]

[CHINA'S ATTITUDE TOWARD NUCLEAR DETERRENCE]

[CHINA AND DETARGETING AGREEMENTS]

Updated: 06/27/2003

This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2007 by MIIS.