U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a comprehensive replacement to the expired New START nuclear arms treaty with Russia, marking a pivotal moment in global security dynamics. The 2010 agreement, which capped deployed strategic nuclear warheads at 1,550 for both nations, lapsed this month without a temporary extension framework, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Uncharted Territory in Arms Control
Arms control experts warn the absence of binding limits between the world's two largest nuclear powers could destabilize strategic balances. The development comes as Asian nations monitor potential ripple effects, particularly regarding the Chinese mainland's nuclear modernization program and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's ongoing weapons tests.
Regional Implications for Asia
Analysts suggest the treaty's expiration may accelerate military spending across Asia, where countries from India to Japan are already modernizing defenses. Southeast Asian diplomats have quietly expressed concerns about renewed great power competition impacting regional stability.
While the U.S. administration emphasizes pursuing "more ambitious" verification measures in any new agreement, Russian officials have yet to publicly respond to Trump's proposal. The situation leaves global nonproliferation efforts at a critical juncture as 2026 unfolds.
