22:51 - 9.07.2026
July 9, Fineko/abc.az. A fresh diplomatic dispute has emerged between Beijing and Washington regarding strategic nuclear deterrence and military transparency.
According to ABC.AZ, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning characterized US criticism regarding Beijing's recent submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test as a "typical demonstration of double standards and hegemony."
Mao Ning emphasized that the US maintains the world's largest nuclear arsenal and frequently conducts its own submarine-launched missile drills. Defending the July 6 test which deployed a dummy warhead, the spokesperson stated the launch was a routine military training exercise designed solely to verify the reliability of China's defense systems without targeting any specific nation, adding that prior notifications were sent to relevant states in accordance with international law.
Previously, the US State Department voiced concerns over China's rapidly expanding and "non-transparent" nuclear capabilities, calling them a source of regional instability and urging Beijing to join formal arms control negotiations.
