Why the collapse of the last US-Russia nuclear treaty matters for China and the world

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Amber WangFebruary 3, 2026 at 02:41 PM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

With the impending collapse of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), China has urged the United States to consider Russia's offer to maintain nuclear warhead limits. The treaty's expiration marks the end of decades of US-Russia bilateral nuclear arms control. China refuses to participate in trilateral nuclear disarmament talks with the US and Russia, citing a significant disparity in the size of their nuclear arsenals. Analysts warn that the treaty's end could trigger a three-way nuclear arms race involving the United States, Russia, and China. China has stated that it hopes the United States will respond positively to Russia's suggestions to safeguard global strategic stability.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 50% Lin Jian 60% New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Start) ×380% China ×690% United States ×690% Russia ×690%

Keywords

nuclear treaty 100% nuclear arms control 90% us-russia relations 80% new start 70% nuclear disarmament 70% china 60% nuclear arms race 60% nuclear warheads 60% global strategic stability 50% nuclear stockpile 40%