US President Joe Biden on Monday called on Russia and China to begin nuclear arms control talks, saying Moscow in particular had a duty to show accountability after its invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, he reiterated that his administration was ready to “
quickly negotiate
” a replacement for New START, the treaty capping intercontinental nuclear forces in the United States and Russia, which is due to expire in 2026. “
Russia should demonstrate that 'She's ready to get back to work on nuclear arms control
,' Joe Biden said.
“
But negotiation requires a partner who is willing and in good faith.
And Russia's brutal and unprovoked aggression in Ukraine has shattered the peace in Europe and constitutes an attack on the fundamental principles of the international order.
»
Read alsoWhy is China strengthening its nuclear arsenal?
Regarding China, which has bolstered its much more limited nuclear arsenal, Joe Biden asserted that Beijing has a duty, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, "
to participate in talks that will reduce the risk of miscalculation and will tackle destabilizing military dynamics
".
"
There is no benefit to any of our nations, or the world, in balking at a consistent commitment to arms control and nuclear non-proliferation
," he said.
He said the nuclear superpowers, Russia and the United States in particular, had a responsibility to set the tone to ensure the viability of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons technology. nuclear weapons in the world.
“
The health of the NPT has always been based on meaningful and reciprocal arms limits between the United States and the Russian Federation.
Even at the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were able to work together to uphold our shared responsibility to provide strategic stability
,” he added.
"
The world can be confident that my administration will continue to support the NPT and seek to strengthen the non-proliferation architecture that protects people everywhere
,” he said.
