Trump balks at nuclear limit extension, calls for new US-China-Russia deal

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Mark MagnierFebruary 6, 2026 at 01:02 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

President Trump is refusing to extend the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the US and Russia, which expired this week. Instead, he is calling for a new treaty involving the US, Russia, and China. Experts warn that the failure to extend New START, coupled with Trump's call for a new agreement, could lead to an uncontrolled arms race. Concerns are rising about a potential build-up of nuclear arsenals, particularly in the US and China, leading to increased global tension. The absence of a legally binding agreement to limit nuclear weapons for the first time in half a century raises fears of a dangerous downward spiral.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 50% Russia ×260% China ×260% United States ×370% Donald Trump ×280%

Keywords

nuclear weapons 100% arms control 90% nuclear arsenal 80% us-china-russia deal 70% new start 70% arms race 60% nuclear weapons tests 50% geopolitical tension 50% global disaster 40%