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China Rejects U.S. Bid for Trilateral Nuclear Disarmament Talks With Russia

Beijing calls such talks unrealistic, citing a smaller arsenal alongside a distinct doctrine.

Members of the People's Liberation Army ceremonial guard march in Tiananmen Square after the closing session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, or CPPCC, at the Great Hall of the People on March 10, 2025 in Beijing, China.
Image
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun attends a press conference in Beijing, China January 7, 2025. REUTERS/Florence Lo

Overview

  • China's Foreign Ministry said requests to join U.S.-Russia disarmament negotiations are "neither reasonable nor realistic," arguing the countries' nuclear forces and policies are not comparable.
  • The response followed President Trump's push to include Beijing after talks with Vladimir Putin, with Trump saying China is "way behind" now but could "catch us in five years."
  • Beijing reaffirmed its no-first-use pledge and a self-defense strategy, saying it maintains forces at the minimum level required and will not enter an arms race.
  • 2024 SIPRI estimates cited by CBS/AFP indicate Russia and the United States hold nearly 90% of the world's warheads, with China at roughly 500 and rising.
  • Arms-control prospects remain strained as Russia has rolled back treaty commitments and China previously engaged in, then withdrew from, bilateral talks with Washington last year.