Jiang noted that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia is important for promoting regional peace and stability, and is conducive to the fundamental security interests of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries.

The Chinese spokesperson made the remarks in response to recent comments from the Philippine Ministry of Defense, stating that Beijing’s willingness to sign the protocol was merely symbolic, and that it should first denuclearize to demonstrate sincerity.

Jiang stressed that China is the only nuclear-weapon state that has unconditionally committed not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones.

China’s nuclear force and nuclear policy have made an important contribution to world peace, which has been widely recognized by the international community, the spokesperson stated.

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