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China’s Qin Gang calls for UN ‘objectivity’ in face of G7 nuke pressure

  • Chinese foreign minister urges nuclear watchdog chief to resist efforts to undermine international cooperation
  • Days after G7 leaders label Beijing’s arsenal a threat to stability, Beijing reiterates its commitment to self-defence and non-proliferation

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China has the third largest nuclear arsenal but is well behind the US and Russia. Photo: PLA Daily
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang called on the UN’s nuclear watchdog to “resist” pressure from countries seeking to “undermine international cooperation”, just days after G7 leaders said Beijing’s atomic arsenal is a threat to global and regional stability.
Speaking with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Beijing on Tuesday, Qin reiterated that China’s nuclear strategy is based on the principles of self-defence and non-proliferation.

“China firmly supports the peaceful use of nuclear energy, resolutely strengthens domestic nuclear security and supports international cooperation on nuclear security,” Qin said, according to state news agency Xinhua.

“China hopes that the IAEA will perform its duties in an objective, fair and professional manner, and resolutely resist the practice of certain countries to generalise the concept of national security, and disrupt or undermine the normal order of international cooperation,” he said.

Qin also called on the IAEA to “properly handle” plans by Aukus – the security alliance between Australia, Britain and the United States – to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, as well as Japan’s intention to release millions of tonnes of treated nuclear waste water.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry readout, Grossi said the IAEA “attaches great importance” to its relationship with China and appreciates the country’s “peaceful use” of nuclear energy.

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