China is "deeply shocked'' at the US Defence Department's report that includes China in a list of seven countries that would be subjected to a US nuclear attack under emergency, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi.

A Los Angeles Times report on Saturday said a US Defence Department study outlined a contingency plan to use nuclear weapons against seven countries, consisting of China, Russia, Iraq, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Libya and Syria.

China is a peace-loving nation that does not impose a threat to any country, said Sun.

He added that China has all along advocated the comprehensive ban and complete elimination of nuclear weapons.

Nuclear weapon countries should commit themselves to the unconditional no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and promise not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons on nuclear weapon-free countries and regions, said Sun.

He also noted that China and the US have agreed not to target each other with their nuclear weapons.

Stressing that the Cold War mentality is not in line with the current trend for peace, co-operation and development, and will not succeed, Sun urged the US to explain the report.

Concerning the situation in Madagascar, Sun called on relevant parties to pay more attention to the state's supreme interest and national unity, to have an attitude of restraint, and to find a proper settlement to the political crisis through dialogue.

The spokesman said that China supports the efforts made by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to solve the crisis in Madagascar.

Opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana claims he beat President Ratsiraka in presidential elections in December, and has named his own government.

(China Daily March 12, 2002)