The President of the United States Joe Biden was concerned about the testing of hypersonic weapons by the People's Republic of China (PRC). This became known on Wednesday, October 20.
The US president answered questions from journalists at the Andrews military base near Washington before flying to Pennsylvania. Biden was asked if he was worried about Chinese hypersonic missiles, and he replied, "Yes." At the same time, he left his answer without additional comments. The broadcast was conducted on CNN.
In turn, White House press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a briefing that the US administration does not comment on reports of China testing new hypersonic missiles, but expresses its concern about the country's military developments through diplomatic channels.
"We still do not intend to comment on any specific publications. Generally speaking, we have clearly indicated our concern, and I think the President's comments on the new military capabilities pursued by the PRC reflect it. This still reflects our point of view, which we convey through diplomatic channels," she said.
On October 17, it became known that China had launched a hypersonic glider capable of carrying nuclear weapons in August. American military leaders were impressed by the launch of the GLA, which demonstrated the significant progress of the PRC in the development of hypersonic weapons.
On September 25, Sha Zukang, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) for Economic and Social Affairs, called on Beijing to reconsider its policy towards the United States and abandon the policy of not using nuclear weapons first against the background of the creation of the AUKUS alliance.
On the same day, the UN expressed hope for China's commitment to the concept of non-use of nuclear weapons first.
On September 23, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang, commenting on the AUKUS agreement, pointed out that Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States acted "extremely irresponsibly" because they could thereby accelerate the arms race. According to the diplomat, the alliance undermines regional peace and stability and neglects international efforts to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
The trilateral security partnership - AUKUS - appeared on September 15, 2021 by signing an agreement between representatives of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. For the sake of new opportunities, Canberra terminated a contract with Paris for the supply of submarines worth $66 billion and provoked a diplomatic scandal.
