Since its first nuclear explosion in 1964, China has maintained a minimum deterrent and a no first use (NFU) pledge, both aimed at avoiding a costly nuclear arms race (Information Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China 2011). China has repeatedly stated that it is pursuing a “self-defensive” nuclear strategy. As its 2006 White Paper on Defense states, the fundamental goal of China’s nuclear strategy is “. . . to deter other countries from using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against China. China remains firmly committed to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances” (Information Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China 2006). The country upholds the principles of “. . . counterattack in self-defense and limited development of nuclear weapons” and aims at building “. . . a lean and effective nuclear force capable of meeting national security needs.” Furthermore, its 2010 White Paper on Defense emphasizes that China:

. . . has always exercised the utmost restraint in the development of nuclear weapons, and has never participated in any form of nuclear arms race, nor will it ever do so. It will limit its nuclear capabilities to the minimum level required for national security.