In response to the US announcement that China has surpassed its own number of land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers, Chinese media pointed out that the US is exaggerating the Chinese threat.
On the 9th, the state-run Global Times reported that the U.S. military, U.S. politicians, and media exaggerated the ICBM issue amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China over the reconnaissance balloon incident.
The press also claimed, “The claim that China has more (ground-based) ICBM launchers than the United States is speculation based on the Chinese threat theory.” “The United States has more nuclear warheads than China.”
“It is unreasonable and unfair for the US to use China’s nuclear possession as an excuse to break the nuclear balance among the great powers and justify its hegemonic nuclear ambitions that threaten world peace,” he said.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 7th (local time), in a report recently submitted to the Federal Senate and House Armed Services Committee by the US Strategic Command (USSC), which is in charge of nuclear forces, “China’s ICBM fixed launcher and mobile vehicle launcher (TEL) ) number has exceeded the number of ICBM launchers in the United States.”
The USSC argued, “However, (these statistics) do not include submarine-launched missiles and long-range bombers,” and “the United States has a decisive advantage.”
Chinese military expert Song Zhongping said, “According to data from the US Department of Defense, the US has at least 450 silos (hangars), which is a staggering number. ”he emphasized.
“The purpose of the US military is very simple, and their purpose is to expand their nuclear arsenal and justify their budgetary demands to secure more weapons for nuclear warfare,” he said.
Wei Dongxu, another Chinese military expert, said, “The US military and politicians are trying to deceive their own public through deceit.” We are looking for an excuse to back it up,” he pointed out.
Another anonymous military expert argued, “Even if China builds more ICBM launchers, it is a measure to strengthen nuclear deterrence in response to strategic pressure from the US, and it is legal and reasonable.”
The expert also stressed that “China needs to have a strong nuclear deterrent so that hegemons and followers cannot harm China’s national security, sovereignty and development interests.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.