China has renewed its pledge never to be the first to use nuclear weapons in a war. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the promise on Thursday in response to a Japanese press report that Chinese military commanders were considering a change in the policy. Hong told reporters that China made a solemn pledge never to be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time under any circumstances, and that it has been living up to that promise. Japan's Kyodo news service said yesterday that internal documents from China's People's Liberation Army indicated the military will consider launching a nuclear first strike if the country faces a critical situation in a war with another nuclear nation. Hong has dismissed the Kyodo report as groundless. Hong was also asked about reports that China is testing a prototype of an advanced stealth jet fighter. He did not answer directly, but repeated assurances that China is following a path of peaceful development.