China says expiration of US-Russia arms treaty regrettable

The Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that the expiration of the U.S.-Russia arms treaty was regrettable, and urged the U.S. to resume dialogue with Russia on "strategic stability". The New START treaty expired at the close of Wednesday, marking the end of over half a century of limits on both sides' strategic nuclear weapons. Russia said on Wednesday it was open to security talks but would resolutely counter any new "threats".



"China regrets the expiration of the New START Treaty, as the treaty is of great significance to maintaining global strategic stability," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.



"The international community is generally concerned that the expiration of the treaty will have a negative impact on the international nuclear arms control system and the global nuclear order."



Russia had suggested that both sides continue to honor ‌the treaty’s core limits, and the Chinese foreign ministry urged Washington to respond constructively.