China regrets the expiration and termination of the New START Treaty between the US and Russia

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jian hosted a routine press conference on the 5th.

A reporter asked about the expiration and invalidation of the US-Russia New START Treaty.

Liu Jian: China has always taken a very cautious and responsible approach to nuclear weapons issues. China has consistently adhered to a self-defense nuclear strategy, committed to a no-first-use policy, and unconditionally pledged not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones. China maintains its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level necessary for national security and has no intention of engaging in an arms race with any country.

China has always maintained that advancing nuclear disarmament must follow the principles of maintaining global strategic stability and ensuring that the security of all countries is not compromised. China’s nuclear capabilities are on a different scale compared to the US and Russia, and at this stage, China will not participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations.

Regarding the expiration of the US-Russia New START Treaty, I want to point out that China regrets the treaty’s expiration, as it is of great significance for maintaining global strategic stability. The international community is generally concerned that the treaty’s failure will have a negative impact on the international nuclear arms control system and the global nuclear order. Russia has suggested that the US and Russia continue to abide by the treaty’s core restrictions. China calls on the US to respond positively and handle the treaty’s follow-up arrangements responsibly, and to restore strategic stability dialogue with Russia as soon as possible. This is also the common expectation of the international community.

(Source: China News Service)