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The United States has called for multilateral negotiations involving China and Russia to limit nuclear weapons, according to statements made Friday at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. The appeal comes one day after the expiration of the New START treaty, which had imposed nuclear arms limitations between Washington and Moscow for over a decade. Moscow has indicated it does not rule out participating in such discussions.
Thomas DiNanno, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, told the Geneva conference that the United States must advocate for a new framework addressing today’s challenges rather than those of a bygone era. He emphasized that the next era of arms control can and must continue, signaling American commitment to nuclear arms limitation despite the treaty’s lapse.
Multilateral Nuclear Arms Control Framework Proposed
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated on the American proposal in an article detailing the Geneva initiative. According to Rubio, nuclear arms control can no longer remain a bilateral issue between the United States and Russia alone. He stated that other nations bear responsibility for ensuring strategic stability in the current global landscape.
The push for multilateral nuclear arms control negotiations reflects significant shifts in the international security environment. Additionally, the call recognizes China’s substantial expansion of its nuclear arsenal in recent years, making trilateral talks increasingly necessary for effective global arms reduction.
Presidential Support for Updated Nuclear Treaty
President Donald Trump voiced support for the initiative Thursday, calling for a new, improved, and updated treaty with Russia regarding nuclear weapons. The presidential endorsement provides high-level backing for diplomatic efforts to establish fresh nuclear arms limitation agreements. However, the scope and timeline for such negotiations remain unclear.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin indicated Friday that Russia and the United States have agreed to maintain a responsible approach to nuclear weapons management. Russian officials confirmed their willingness to engage in negotiations on the matter, according to statements from Moscow. This represents a potentially positive signal for future diplomatic engagement despite recent tensions.
Challenges Facing Nuclear Disarmament Efforts
The expiration of New START removes the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the world’s two largest nuclear powers. In contrast to previous decades when bilateral treaties provided structure for nuclear arms limitation, the current environment lacks binding restrictions on arsenal sizes or deployment configurations.
China’s participation presents a major challenge for multilateral nuclear arms control efforts. Beijing has historically resisted joining arms limitation frameworks, arguing its arsenal remains significantly smaller than those of the United States and Russia. Nevertheless, U.S. officials maintain that China’s growing nuclear capabilities necessitate its inclusion in future agreements.
The proposal for expanded negotiations also reflects concerns about strategic stability in an era of multiple nuclear-armed states. Additionally, emerging technologies including hypersonic weapons and cyber capabilities complicate traditional arms control verification methods. These factors make establishing effective multilateral nuclear arms control mechanisms more complex than previous bilateral arrangements.
International security experts have emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue on nuclear weapons despite geopolitical tensions. The absence of arms control agreements increases risks of miscalculation and arms races, according to nonproliferation specialists. However, bridging differences between major powers on verification measures and arsenal limits will require sustained diplomatic efforts.
The timeline for potential multilateral nuclear arms control talks remains uncertain, with no specific dates announced for follow-up discussions. Authorities have not confirmed whether preliminary consultations with China have occurred or when formal negotiations might begin.
