Germany Urges China Restraint After Nuclear Treaty Ends

BEIJING: (Web Desk) – Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has urged China to exercise restraint in its weapons development following the expiration of the last US-Russia nuclear treaty. Speaking in Canberra during an official visit to Australia, Wadephul warned that the end of the New START treaty on February 5 could spark a new arms race among major nuclear powers and encourage China to expand its arsenal.

“Any arms control treaty that expires must be a cause for concern,” Wadephul said, emphasizing the need to rebuild global trust as a foundation for future agreements. He called for China’s inclusion in forthcoming arms control initiatives, noting that while China supports multilateralism, it must demonstrate restraint and invest in international trust.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also highlighted the necessity of a new nuclear agreement that involves China, citing its rapidly growing arsenal. Currently, China possesses an estimated 550 strategic nuclear launchers, compared with the 800 each allowed to Russia and the US under New START. France and Britain, treaty-bound US allies, hold an additional 100 strategic nuclear weapons collectively.