China has called on the United States to resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia and to engage seriously on follow-up arrangements to existing arms control frameworks, following comments by US President Donald Trump on the future of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
The remarks were made by Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Lin was responding to Trump’s statement on Thursday that he intends to replace the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with a new agreement rather than extending the existing pact.
China’s position on arms control
Lin said China believes that strategic stability between major nuclear powers is fundamental to international peace and security. That dialogue remains the only viable path to managing differences and reducing the risk of miscalculation. He urged Washington to re-engage with Moscow through established diplomatic channels and to discuss concrete follow-up arrangements constructively.
The New START treaty, which entered into force in 2011, limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems held by the United States and Russia. It has long been regarded as a cornerstone of the global nuclear arms control architecture. Trump’s remarks have renewed uncertainty over the future of the treaty framework at a time when arms control mechanisms are already under strain.
Broader strategic context
China’s comments reflect its consistent position that major nuclear-weapon states bear special responsibility for maintaining strategic stability and advancing arms control. While Beijing is not a party to New START, it has repeatedly expressed concern that the erosion of bilateral US–Russia arms control arrangements could undermine global security and trigger a new arms race.
Lin emphasised that unilateral moves or the abandonment of existing agreements risk weakening trust and predictability in international relations. He added that meaningful dialogue should be based on equality, mutual respect and recognition of legitimate security concerns.
Implications for global security
Analysts note that China’s intervention underscores growing international unease about the future of nuclear arms control. With geopolitical tensions high and communication channels limited, the absence of clear successor arrangements to New START could increase strategic uncertainty.
Beijing’s call for renewed dialogue does not signal a shift in its own nuclear policy, which it continues to describe as defensive in nature. Rather, it highlights China’s interest in preserving a stable global strategic environment, particularly as relations among major powers become more complex.
As debates over the future of arms control intensify, China’s message is clear: sustained dialogue between Washington and Moscow remains essential to preventing escalation and safeguarding international stability.