nuclear-news

China warns of World War III with ‘nuclear sword hanging over our heads’ over Putin’s plan to send nukes to Belarus

China has called for superpowers to step back from the brink of nuclear war as Russia announces a plan to deploy tactical nukes.

news.com.au Alike Kraterou and Jack Evans 2 Apr 23

China has issued a warning of a possible World War III after Russia’s announcement to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Geng Shuang, China’s representative in the United Nations, called for all world powers to step back from the brink and maintain “global strategic stability”.

He urged nations to prevent nuclear proliferation and crisis, avoid armed attacks against nuclear power plants and the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Speaking at a Security Council meeting on international peace, Shuang made clear China’s opposition to Kremlin’s plan to send nuclear weapons to Minsk.

He described nuclear weapons as “the sword of Damocles hanging over our heads” and called on all nuclear weapon states to reduce the risk of a nuclear war and avoid any armed conflict between nuclear weapons states.

“We call for the abolition of the nuclear-sharing arrangements and advocate no deployment of nuclear weapons abroad by all nuclear weapons states, and the withdrawal of nuclear weapons deployed abroad,” Shuang said.

Shuang stressed that “nuclear proliferation must be prevented and nuclear crisis avoided.” He added that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought,” and that China’s position on nuclear weapons has been “clear and consistent”.

China has firmly committed to a defensive nuclear strategy, not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones, and to no first use of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances.

While not directly mentioning Russia, Geng called for all parties to “stay rational, avoid aggravating tensions, and intensifying frictions, or fanning the flames”.

China has claimed to maintain a neutral stance in the war but has also pointed out its “no-limits friendship with Russia”.

Last month, China released a point peace plan to end the war, calling for a ceasefire and talks between Ukraine and Russia…………………………………………………….

more https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/china-warns-of-world-war-iii-with-nuclear-sword-hanging-over-our-heads-over-putins-plan-to-send-nukes-to-belarus/news-story/1f3882aa80a4407422fb76b9a4269b6f—

April 3, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | China, politics international, weapons and war