BEIJING, June 16 -- "China's nuclear policy has always been stable, consistent and predictable. Relevant parties should stop unfounded speculations and propaganda," said Senior Colonel Chen Xi, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press release on Tuesday.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reportedly stated in its recent report that China has significantly modernized its nuclear capabilities over the past year, and continues to expand its nuclear arsenal. In addition, the US and Japan keep peddling the narrative of China's massive and non-transparent nuclear build-up.

When being asked to share comment on such statements, the spokesperson stressed that China follows a nuclear strategy of self-defense and a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons.

"We always keep our nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security, and never engage in any forms of nuclear arms race, playing a significant role in maintaining global strategic stability," added the spokesperson.