Biden called on russia to agree on new nuclear arms control system

US President Joe Biden has said that his administration is ready for negotiations on a nuclear arms control system that will replace the Nuclear Treaty-3. He called on russia to show that it was ready to resume work and emphasized that China was also responsible.

It is stated in a statement published by the White House.

On August 1, the Tenth Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), postponed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, began. The signatory states of the NPT are 191 countries, including the "nuclear five": the USA, russia, France, Great Britain, and China. This agreement provides for a review of the document every five years.

Biden announced that the United States reaffirms its commitment to be a responsible steward of its nuclear arsenal and to continue working toward the world's nuclear disarmament.

He stressed that his administration is ready to quickly negotiate a new arms control system that will replace the New Start treaty between the United States and russia to limit the number of strategic offensive weapons in both countries. This agreement will expire in 2026.

However, for new negotiations, a "willing partner operating in good faith" is needed, according to Biden. He noted that russia must show that it is ready to resume work with the United States, especially after the invasion of Ukraine.

"Even at the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were able to work together to uphold our shared responsibility to ensure strategic stability," Biden said.

He added that China, as a member of the NPT and the "nuclear five," is responsible for participating in negotiations "that will reduce the risk of miscalculation and address destabilizing military dynamics."

"There is no benefit to any of our nations, or for the world, to resist substantive engagement on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation," Biden said.

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