To survive and develop itself, China had no other options. The small number of nuclear weapons China has developed is totally for the purpose of defense. Given the background of its development of nuclear weapons in the past, China has consistently adopted a responsible attitude on the issue of the nuclear disarmament and has made important contributions in the regard. From the very same day it came into the possession of nuclear weapons. China has solemnly declared that it will never be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time and in any circumstances.
China is the sole nuclear weapons state that has made and strictly observed such commitment.
China has never deplyed any nuclear weaons outside of its borders, nor used or threatened to use nuclear wepons against other countries. China has exercised utmost restraint on the issue of nuclear weapons and has never participation arms race of any kind. The nuclear tests it conducted and nuclear weapons developed are all on a limited scale. China has always advocated the complete prohibition and thorough elimination of nuclear weapons. China's national defense policies are defensive in nature.