China denies N-first use

China on Friday denied reports that it would consider a pre-emptive nuclear strike if it finds itself faced with a critical situation of a war with another nuclear state.

China on Friday denied reports that it would consider a pre-emptive nuclear strike if it finds itself faced with a critical situation of a war with another nuclear state.

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Terming the reports as "totally false' and "made with ulterior motives", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said, "Since the very day China got nuclear weapons, Chinese government has made a solemn pledge never to be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time under any circumstance."

"China has lived up to this," the spokesman said.