Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

In response to a question regarding US President Donald Trump's proposal of a "new and more comprehensive" strategic arms agreement with Russia instead of renewing the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that China is not aware of the specific details, and that with a view of safeguarding global strategic stability in the long run, China calls on the US to resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia and discuss follow‑up arrangements for the New START upon its expiration. This is also the shared expectation of the international community, Lin said.

As the existing New START agreement between the US and Russia expires which fuels concern about the possibility of a new arms race, Trump posted on Truth Social that "Rather than extend 'NEW START' (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future."

Global Times