China expresses regret over the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday.
Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing in response to a media inquiry on the expiration of New START, the U.S.-Russia nuclear arms reduction treaty.
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China expresses regret over expiration of US-Russia nuclear treaty
China expresses regret over expiration of US-Russia nuclear treaty
China expresses regret over expiration of US-Russia nuclear treaty
China expresses regret over expiration of US-Russia nuclear treaty
"China has always been extremely prudent and responsible on nuclear weapons issues. China has consistently adhered to a nuclear strategy of self-defense, strictly abides by the policy of 'no first use' of nuclear weapons, and has made an unconditional commitment not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones. China always keeps its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security and has no intention of engaging in an arms race with any country. China has consistently advocated advancing nuclear disarmament, which must follow the principles of 'maintaining global strategic stability' and 'undiminished security for all.' China's nuclear strength is by no means on the same level with that of the U.S. or Russia. China will not join the nuclear disarmament negotiations at this stage," he said.
"The treaty is of great significance to safeguarding global strategic stability. The international community is generally concerned that its expiration will have negative impacts on the international arms control system and the global nuclear order. Russia has proposed that Russia and the United States continue to observe the core limits of the treaty. China calls on the United States to respond positively, handle the follow-up arrangements of the treaty in a responsible manner, and resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia at an early date, which is also the common expectation of the international community," the spokesman added.
China expresses regret over expiration of US-Russia nuclear treaty
China expresses regret over expiration of US-Russia nuclear treaty
China expresses regret over expiration of US-Russia nuclear treaty
China expresses regret over expiration of US-Russia nuclear treaty
