China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian speaks during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, China. Photo by WU HAO / EPA
June 18 (Asia Today) -- China expressed strong opposition Thursday to recent U.S. extended deterrence talks with South Korea and Japan, warning that expanded nuclear cooperation could increase the risks of nuclear proliferation and conflict.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was "deeply concerned" about efforts by the United States and Japan to strengthen extended deterrence.
Lin was responding at a regular news briefing to a question about the Japan-U.S. Extended Deterrence Dialogue and the sixth meeting of the U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Consultative Group. Japan and the United States held their talks in Tokyo from June 8 to 9, while Seoul and Washington held their meeting in South Korea.
"Extended deterrence is a product of the Cold War," Lin said. "Certain countries have strengthened nuclear deterrence cooperation for geopolitical purposes, increasing the risks of nuclear proliferation and nuclear conflict."
