Beijing: China’s Ministry of Defense has reaffirmed Beijing’s firm support for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the initiative’s importance in strengthening regional security and safeguarding the interests of countries in the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a press statement, ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said that creating such a zone is a crucial step toward enhancing peace and stability in Southeast Asia. He noted that China has clearly expressed its readiness to be among the first countries to sign the protocol attached to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone.

Jiang stressed that China remains the only nuclear-armed state to have made an unconditional pledge never to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states or regions free of nuclear weapons.

He added that China’s nuclear policy and stance in this regard constitute a significant contribution to global peace and security – a position that continues to gain wide recognition from the international community.