China regrets end of US-Russian nuclear deal and calls for resumption of dialogue

China expressed regret over the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and Russia. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said this at a regular press conference on 5 February.

According to Lin, China has long approached the issue of nuclear weapons with the utmost caution and responsibility. He stressed that Beijing is pursuing a defensive nuclear strategy, strictly adhering to the policy of not using nuclear weapons first, while unconditionally pledging not to use nuclear weapons or threaten non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-free zones with their use. China, he said, maintains its nuclear arsenal only at the minimum level necessary to ensure national security and has no ambition to enter into an arms race with other countries.

The spokesman also said that nuclear disarmament should be carried out in such a way as to preserve global strategic stability and not endanger the security of individual states. He also pointed out the significant difference between the nuclear arsenals of China and the two major nuclear powers, the United States and Russia. That is why, according to him, China is not currently planning to engage in negotiations on further nuclear disarmament.

Lin Jian also recalled that the treaty between Washington and Moscow was of crucial importance for maintaining the world's strategic balance. Its demise, he said, is a cause of concern for the international community, as it may negatively affect the nuclear arms control system and the overall global security architecture.

At the same time, China pointed out that Russia had previously suggested that the two countries continue to abide by the agreement's key restrictions after its expiration. Beijing therefore called on the United States to respond constructively to this proposal, to approach the situation responsibly and to resume dialogue with Russia on strategic stability as soon as possible. According to Chinese diplomacy, this is a step that is also expected by the wider international community.

CMG