China not engaged in nuclear arms race, defense spokesman says

China's nuclear modernization is aimed at safeguarding national strategic security and maintaining global strategic stability, a defense spokesman said on Tuesday evening, stressing that the country does not engage in a nuclear arms race with any nation.

Chen Xi, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in a statement while responding to foreign concerns over a submarine-launched strategic missile test conducted by the Chinese navy on Monday.

Chen said the People's Liberation Army Navy's strategic nuclear submarine had carried out the test and achieved the expected results.

"The test was a routine arrangement under the annual military training plan and was in line with international law and international practice," Chen said.

China notified relevant countries in advance, which reflected the openness and transparency of the Chinese military, he added.

Chen said China follows the path of peaceful development, pursues a defensive national defense policy and adheres to a nuclear strategy of self-defense.

China always keeps its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security and "does not engage in a nuclear arms race with any country", he said.

"China's nuclear modernization is aimed at safeguarding national strategic security and maintaining global strategic stability," Chen said.