China Rejects U.S. Proposal for Trilateral Nuclear Disarmament Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump recently expressed a desire to initiate trilateral nuclear disarmament talks involving the United States, Russia, and China. This proposal follows discussions Trump had with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding nuclear arms control. Trump emphasized the importance of denuclearization, stating, “We can’t let nuclear weapons proliferate. We have to stop nuclear weapons,” and expressed confidence that both Russia and China would be willing to engage in such discussions.

ReutersChina Refuses to Join US-Russia Nuclear TalksChina rejects U.S. call to join nuclear disarmament talksTrump Calls for Nuclear Disarmament Talks with Russia and China and Hints at Meeting with Kim Jong UnSouth China Morning PostChina: "Irontogicous" talks with US and Russia for nuclear disarmament - News Room USAGlobal Times

In response to Trump's proposal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun firmly rejected the notion of China participating in these trilateral talks. Guo stated that the demand for China to join the negotiations is “neither reasonable nor realistic.” He highlighted the significant differences in nuclear capabilities and strategic security environments between China and the United States, asserting that “the nuclear forces of China and the United States are not at the same level at all.”

Global TimesChina calls the US proposal for nuclear disarmament with Russia unreasonableChina rejects U.S. call to join nuclear disarmament talksChina: "Irontogicous" talks with US and Russia for nuclear disarmament - News Room USASouth China Morning PostChina Refuses to Join US-Russia Nuclear TalksTrump Calls for Nuclear Disarmament Talks with Russia and China and Hints at Meeting with Kim Jong UnReuters

Guo further elaborated that China adheres to a strict “no first use” policy and maintains its nuclear arsenal at the minimum level necessary for national security. He emphasized that China does not engage in an arms race and that its nuclear capabilities contribute to global peace.

China calls the US proposal for nuclear disarmament with Russia unreasonable

Trump's renewed push for trilateral nuclear disarmament comes at a time when the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the U.S. and Russia is set to expire in February 2026. This treaty, which limits the number of strategic warheads and delivery systems, has been a cornerstone of nuclear arms control since its signing in 2010. The U.S. has previously sought China's involvement in nuclear arms discussions, but these efforts have not yielded significant progress.

China Refuses to Join US-Russia Nuclear TalksReutersChina rejects U.S. call to join nuclear disarmament talksChina: "Irontogicous" talks with US and Russia for nuclear disarmament - News Room USAGlobal TimesSouth China Morning PostTrump Calls for Nuclear Disarmament Talks with Russia and China and Hints at Meeting with Kim Jong Un

Critics of the U.S. proposal argue that it overlooks the fundamental differences in nuclear policies and capabilities among the three nations. Guo Jiakun reiterated that countries with the largest nuclear arsenals, specifically the U.S. and Russia, should take primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament. He stated, “Countries possessing the largest nuclear arsenals should earnestly fulfill their special and primary responsibility for nuclear disarmament.”

Global Times

• “Demanding that China join China-US-Russia trilateral nuclear disarmament talks is neither reasonable nor realistic,” — Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

South China Morning Post

• “China adheres to a no-first-use policy, pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense, and has always kept its nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security.” — Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Global Times

• “I think the denuclearization is a very — it's a big aim, but Russia is willing to do it, and I think China is going to be willing to do it too. We can't let nuclear weapons proliferate. We have to stop nuclear weapons. The power is too great,” — Donald Trump, U.S. President

Reuters

China's rejection of the U.S. proposal for trilateral nuclear disarmament talks underscores the complexities of nuclear diplomacy in a multipolar world. As the U.S. and Russia navigate their own arms control agreements, the inclusion of China remains contentious, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and differing national security strategies.

China Refuses to Join US-Russia Nuclear Talks