China's nuclear policy, strategy consistent: spokesperson

BEIJING - China's nuclear policy and strategy are consistent, without any changes, Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun said Friday at a press conference.

He made the remarks when commenting on whether the establishment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force means China will enhance the building of its nuclear force.

Reiterating its no-first-use nuclear weapons policy and defensive nuclear strategy, the spokesperson said China always keeps its nuclear capability at the minimum level required for safeguarding its national security.

The PLA Rocket Force, renamed from the PLA Second Artillery Force, will act as a core force of strategic deterrence, a strategic buttress to the country's position as a major power, and an important building block in upholding national security, the spokesperson said.

"We will strive to build a strong and modern Rocket Force," he said.

President Xi Jinping conferred military flags to the general command of the PLA Army, the PLA Rocket Force and the PLA Strategic Support Force at their inauguration ceremony held Thursday in Beijing.