China announced its intention not to participate "during the current phase" in nuclear disarmament talks, despite Washington's renewed emphasis on the necessity of these talks after the expiration of the last nuclear disarmament treaty between the United States and Russia.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press conference yesterday, Wednesday, that "China's nuclear capabilities are fundamentally different from those of the United States and Russia, and it will not participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations in the current phase."
The "New START" treaty, the last nuclear disarmament treaty between the United States and Russia, expires today, Thursday, raising concerns related to nuclear proliferation.
Russia indicated yesterday that it is no longer bound by the treaty, and the United States has been slow to take a stance, but its Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, reiterated that President Donald Trump believes any solution to this issue requires China's participation "due to its large and rapidly growing arsenal."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed "China's regret over the expiration of the New START treaty between the United States and Russia. This treaty is of utmost importance for maintaining global strategic stability."
He added, "However, China has always kept its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level necessary for its national security, and it is not engaged in any arms race with any country."
