On June 18, 2026, South Korean media, The Hankook Ilbo, reported that the Chinese government expressed strong concern and issued a warning regarding the extended deterrence (nuclear umbrella) talks between the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

According to the article, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a regular press conference that regarding the successive holding of the Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EED) with Japan and the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) meeting with South Korea by the United States, "We express solemn concern." Spokesperson Lin asserted that "extended deterrence is a product of the Cold War," and criticized that some countries strengthening nuclear deterrence cooperation on the back of geopolitical interests "increases the risk of nuclear proliferation and nuclear conflict."

Especially towards Japan, with whom relations have recently deteriorated, he pointed out that "Japan has long advocated for a world without nuclear weapons, but in reality, it is strengthening its reliance on the nuclear umbrella," and emphasized that "Japan should reflect on itself, genuinely fulfill its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, adhere to the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles,' and refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons in any form."

Regarding South Korea, he also stated, "We hope that South Korea will act cautiously in a direction that contributes more to regional stability."

The article explained that China's rapid nuclear force buildup and North Korea's nuclear issue were also topics of discussion in the US-ROK and Japan-US talks. In particular, the US and South Korea reaffirmed the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea, and the US side reportedly reiterated its commitment to providing extended deterrence to South Korea through all capabilities, including nuclear weapons.

Regarding this, South Korean netizens voiced opinions such as: "China should not interfere with other countries' security policies," "Isn't China also expanding its nuclear capabilities?", "Can China and North Korea have nuclear weapons, but South Korea cannot?", "They should tell Trump, not South Korea or Japan," and "Warn North Korea too."

On the other hand, some voices were heard, such as "South Korea needs careful balanced diplomacy amidst the US-China rivalry," "I cannot agree with policies or opinions that South Korea should also possess nuclear weapons to oppose China," "I agree with (China's) remarks regarding Japan," "The whole world, including China and North Korea, should denuclearize," "China holds an important position in various supply chains. There's no benefit in unnecessarily deepening conflict with China," and "While I don't think we should listen to what China says, I also can't trust President Trump."