China has expressed regret over the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia, calling for responsible follow-up measures to preserve global stability. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Thursday, February 5, 2026, that the treaty's lapse risks undermining international arms control efforts and the nuclear order.
Lin emphasized that New START, which entered force in 2011, played a critical role in maintaining strategic equilibrium. With its expiration, concerns mount over the future of nuclear arms limitations between the world's two largest nuclear powers. Russia has proposed continuing adherence to the treaty's central limits, a move China supports. Beijing urges Washington to engage constructively with Moscow and resume strategic stability talks promptly.
The treaty's expiration follows the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, leaving New START as the last major bilateral nuclear agreement until its termination this week. Analysts warn the development could trigger renewed arms competition unless diplomatic channels are revitalized.
