China says expiration of U.S.-Russia arms treaty regrettable

The Chinese language Overseas Ministry mentioned ‌on Thursday (February 5, 2026) that the expiration of the U.S.-Russia ​arms treaty was regrettable and urged the U.S. to renew dialogue with Russia on “strategic stability”. The New START treaty expired on the shut of Wednesday (February 4, 2026), marking the top of over half a century of limits on each side’ strategic nuclear weapons. Russia mentioned on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) it was open to safety talks however would resolutely counter ​any new “threats”.

“China regrets the expiration of the New START ⁠Treaty, because the treaty is of nice significance to sustaining international strategic stability,” Chinese language Overseas Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian mentioned.

“The worldwide group is usually involved that the expiration ​of the treaty could have ⁠a destructive affect on the worldwide nuclear arms management system and the worldwide nuclear order.”

Russia had prompt that each side proceed to honor the treaty’s core limits, and the Chinese language Overseas Ministry ‌urged Washington to reply constructively.

“China calls on the USA ‌to reply positively, deal with the treaty’s follow-up preparations responsibly, and resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia as quickly ‍as attainable. That is additionally the final expectation of the worldwide group,” Mr. Lin mentioned.

The Chinese language Overseas Ministry reiterated that it adheres strictly to a ‍self-defence nuclear technique.

“China has persistently adhered to a self-defense nuclear technique, abided by the coverage of no first use of nuclear weapons and has made unconditional commitments to not use or threaten to make use of nuclear weapons in opposition to non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones,” Mr. Lin mentioned, including that China retains its arsenal on the minimal degree wanted for nationwide safety.

Mr. Lin added that its nuclear forces are far smaller than these ⁠of Washington and Moscow and reiterated it might not be part of their bilateral arms-reduction talks.

“China’s nuclear forces usually are not ​on the identical degree as these of the USA and Russia, ⁠and China won’t take part in disarmament negotiations at this stage,” Mr. Lin mentioned.

The White Home mentioned this week that President Donald Trump would resolve the way in which ahead on nuclear arms management, which he would “make clear on his personal timeline”.