U.S. urges new three-way nuclear weapons deal with Russia, China, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired on Thursday, marking the first time in decades without a treaty limiting nuclear weapons.
• The U.S. has urged three-way talks with Russia and China to establish new limits on nuclear weapons.
• China has publicly rejected joining disarmament negotiations, stating its nuclear capabilities are not comparable to the U.S. or Russia.
• The New START treaty restricted the U.S. and Russia to deploying 1,550 nuclear warheads each.

Detailed Insights:

• The U.S. argues that the expired New START treaty had fundamental flaws due to Russian violations and the growth of worldwide stockpiles.
• The U.S. is calling for a new arms control architecture that addresses current threats and includes more participants, specifically China.
• Russia suggests that any new nuclear talks should include other nuclear-armed states like France and Britain.
• The expiration of the New START treaty raises concerns about the potential for an unconstrained nuclear arms race among major global powers.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nuclear Arms Control: International agreements and measures designed to limit the production, development, stockpiling, and use of nuclear weapons.
• Disarmament: The reduction or elimination of weapons, particularly nuclear weapons, and armed forces.
• Treaty: A formal agreement between two or more states in reference to peace, alliance, commerce, or other international relations.