NATO calls for responsibility as the New START nuclear treaty expires, raising fears of a new arms race amid growing arsenals from Russia and China.
BRUSSELS: NATO has called for “responsibility and restraint” following the expiration of the last major nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia.
The New START treaty, which imposed limits on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals, expired on Thursday, raising fears of a new global arms race.
“Restraint and responsibility in the nuclear domain is crucial to global security,” an official from the US-led military alliance said on condition of anonymity.
The official warned that both Russia and China are expanding their nuclear capabilities, forcing NATO to ensure its own defences.
“Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and coercive nuclear signalling demonstrate a posture of strategic intimidation,” the official stated.
The alliance also highlighted China’s rapid nuclear expansion and diversification of its arsenal with more warheads and sophisticated delivery systems.
The Kremlin expressed regret over the treaty’s end, calling it a negative step for global security.
Washington has stated that any future nuclear agreement must include China, but international efforts to bring Beijing to the negotiating table have so far failed.