China Urges US-Russia Talks as START Treaty Expires

China's foreign ministry has expressed regret over the expiration of the New START treaty, the landmark nuclear arms agreement between the United States and Russia. Beijing is now urging Washington to resume strategic dialogue with Moscow to maintain global stability.

The treaty, which for over half a century placed limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of both nations, officially lapsed on Wednesday. In response, Russia stated it remains open to security discussions but will counter any emerging threats.

Beijing Voices Concern Over Global Nuclear Order

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian articulated China's position, describing the treaty's expiration as a regrettable development with serious implications.

"China regrets the expiration of the New START Treaty, as the treaty is of great significance to maintaining global strategic stability," Lin stated. He noted widespread international concern that the treaty's end could negatively impact the global nuclear arms control framework.

Following Russia's proposal to continue observing the treaty's core limitations, China has called on the United States to engage constructively.

"China calls on the United States to respond positively, handle the treaty's follow-up arrangements responsibly, and resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia as soon as possible," Lin added, emphasizing that this reflects the expectations of the international community.

China's Stance on Its Own Nuclear Arsenal

The foreign ministry also took the opportunity to reiterate China's established nuclear policy. Lin emphasized that China adheres strictly to a self-defense strategy and maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security.

"China has consistently adhered to a self-defense nuclear strategy, abided by the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and has made unconditional commitments not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones," he explained.

Lin also addressed China's role in future arms control negotiations, stating that its arsenal is not comparable in size to those of Washington and Moscow. Citing this disparity, he confirmed that China will not participate in their bilateral disarmament talks at this stage.

Meanwhile, the White House indicated this week that President Donald Trump would determine the future of U.S. nuclear arms control policy and would "clarify on his own timeline."