China Calls for Renewed US–Russia Nuclear Talks After New START Expiry
China has urged the United States to resume dialogue with Russia on nuclear arms control following the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), warning that the lapse of the agreement could undermine global strategic stability.
Speaking in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed regret over the treaty’s expiration, describing it as a cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament framework.
“China finds the expiration of the New START Treaty between the US and Russia regrettable,” Lin told reporters, adding that the agreement was “of great significance to upholding global strategic stability.”
He cautioned that the absence of legally binding limits on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals could have negative consequences for the global nuclear order.
Lin also reaffirmed China’s nuclear policy, saying Beijing remains “extremely prudent and responsible” in nuclear matters and continues to adhere to a defensive nuclear strategy. He reiterated China’s long-standing commitment to a no-first-use policy and its unconditional pledge not to use or threaten nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones.
The remarks come amid Russia’s proposal that Moscow and Washington continue to observe the treaty’s core limits even after its expiration. China called on the United States to respond positively to the proposal and re-engage Russia in talks on strategic stability.
New START, which expired early Thursday, was the last remaining legally binding treaty limiting US and Russian strategic nuclear forces. Its expiration has raised concerns about a potential return to unregulated nuclear competition and a renewed arms race.
The treaty was signed on April 8, 2010, in Prague and entered into force on February 5, 2011. It replaced the 1991 START I agreement and superseded the 2002 Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty, according to the US-based Arms Control Association.
