China and Russia issued a joint statement on Thursday calling on nuclear-armed states to abandon Cold War-era zero-sum thinking and prioritize dialogue to address escalating global security risks. The document emphasized the “special responsibility” of nuclear powers to reduce tensions and avoid actions that threaten strategic stability.
Both nations highlighted growing concerns over military posturing, including the development of advanced missile defense systems like the U.S. “Golden Dome” initiative, which they claim destabilizes arms control frameworks by merging offensive and defensive capabilities. The statement warned that such programs risk weaponizing outer space and triggering “dangerous misjudgments.”
The document specifically criticized security alliances like the U.S.-UK-Australia trilateral partnership, arguing that positioning nuclear infrastructure in sensitive regions undermines non-proliferation efforts and fuels arms races. It urged nuclear states to resolve differences through “equal consultations” rather than military pressure.
While not naming specific countries, the statement denounced attempts by “individual nations” to achieve “absolute strategic security” through technological dominance, stressing this approach violates principles of mutual security. Analysts suggest the remarks reflect shared concerns about NATO expansion and U.S. missile deployments in Asia-Pacific regions.
The joint declaration concludes with a call for renewed focus on political solutions to prevent nuclear conflicts, emphasizing that “military confrontation must be resolutely avoided.” This alignment underscores deepening Sino-Russian coordination on global security architecture amid shifting geopolitical alliances.
