The United States has raised alarms over China's significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal, asserting that Beijing has conducted undisclosed nuclear tests. This accusation comes on the heels of the expiration of the New Start treaty, which previously limited the nuclear capabilities of the US and Russia, prompting discussions about a new arms control agreement that could include China.

US Accusations at Conference on Disarmament
During a recent Conference on Disarmament held in Geneva, Christopher Yeaw, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, stated that the New Start treaty was fundamentally flawed as it did not address China's rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup. Yeaw emphasized that China has expanded its nuclear capabilities without transparency, stating, "Despite its claims to the contrary, China has deliberately and without constraint, massively expanded its nuclear arsenal." He projected that China is on track to possess sufficient fissile material for over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.

China's Response to US Claims
In response to the US allegations, Chinese Ambassador Shen Jian firmly rejected the accusations, arguing that they represent a distortion of China's nuclear policy. He asserted that China would not engage in a nuclear arms race and characterized its nuclear capabilities as fundamentally different from those of the US and Russia, which together hold over 5,000 nuclear weapons. Shen claimed that it is neither fair nor realistic to expect China to participate in trilateral arms control discussions given its comparatively smaller arsenal.

Implications of New Start Treaty Expiration
The expiration of the New Start treaty, which took effect on February 5, marks a significant shift in global arms control dynamics, leaving the US and Russia without any formal restrictions on their nuclear arsenals. Yeaw noted that the limits established by New Start are now irrelevant due to alleged Russian violations, which he claims have been supported by Beijing. The absence of a treaty raises concerns about a potential new arms race, as both nations may seek to expand their nuclear capabilities without oversight.

Preparatory Discussions for Future Agreements
Despite the tensions, a US State Department source revealed that preliminary discussions with a Chinese delegation occurred shortly after the New Start treaty expired. A more substantial meeting is scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, indicating a willingness to explore future arms control negotiations. Yeaw reiterated that the US remains committed to arms control, aiming for a better agreement that would contribute to a world with fewer nuclear weapons.

Wrap-up
The escalating tensions between the US and China over nuclear capabilities underscore the urgent need for renewed arms control discussions, especially in the absence of the New Start treaty. As both nations navigate this complex landscape, the international community watches closely, wary of the implications for global security.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team