Beijing says its nuclear arsenal not on par with Washington, Moscow

Beijing has ruled out joining nuclear disarmament negotiations at this stage, citing a significant disparity in nuclear capabilities with the United States, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a briefing.

His comments respond to repeated calls from Washington for China to take part in global arms reduction efforts, Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“China’s nuclear forces are at a different level compared with those of the US. At this stage, China cannot participate in negotiations on nuclear disarmament,” Lin stated. He added that “China has consistently advocated that nuclear disarmament should advance in accordance with the principles of maintaining global strategic stability.”

The US has emphasized the need to establish new multilateral nuclear arms reduction mechanisms involving Beijing alongside Washington and Moscow. In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said that Beijing considers the US approach “unfair and unreasonable” at this stage. The statement followed a recent appeal by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging China’s involvement.

The remarks come shortly after the expiration of the Russia-US New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) on February 5. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that under current conditions, the treaty no longer binds the parties, leaving them free to determine their next steps. 

By Vafa Guliyeva