On Tuesday, NATO condemned the nuclear policies of Russia and China, calling on both countries to engage in closer cooperation with the US to increase transparency and ensure strategic stability ahead of a UN international conference.
“Elchi” reports that a joint statement by the 32 member countries of the Alliance emphasized an “unwavering commitment” to the full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which has been a key element of the global arms control system since 1970.
The document was published ahead of the NPT review conference starting next week in New York. This conference coincides with a period of rising geopolitical tensions against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as conflicts involving the US and Israel with Iran.
NATO stated that Russia has “violated its key arms control obligations and is using irresponsible nuclear rhetoric,” while China is “rapidly expanding and diversifying its arsenal without providing sufficient transparency.”
In comments to Reuters, NATO Deputy Secretary General Boris Ruge accused Russia of “nuclear signaling,” citing Moscow’s use of “Oreshnik”-type missile systems in Ukraine as an example.
In response, Moscow states that it remains committed to its status as a responsible nuclear state, while Beijing rejects the accusations, claiming that its policy is limited solely to national security considerations.
According to expert assessments, Russia remains the world’s largest nuclear power with approximately 4,400 warheads, followed by the US and China. NATO hopes that this conference will conclude with an agreed-upon document on risk reduction and the strengthening of strategic stability.
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