Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that it would be “unthinkable” for Moscow to join forces with Washington to pressure Beijing into participating in denuclearization talks. This statement comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed extending the New START treaty, the last remaining arms control agreement between the US and Russia, by another year. The treaty is set to expire on February 5, 2026.

Lavrov emphasized that Russia will not form alliances that target other countries, particularly China. Moscow and Beijing have signed bilateral treaties that outline their relationship, which is focused on mutual support and cooperation in areas such as economy, defense, and international relations. The foreign minister noted that the US has been pushing for China’s inclusion in nuclear reduction talks for years, but China has maintained that it is not ready to participate due to its current strategic potential development stage.

According to estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal with 5,459 warheads, followed by the US with 5,177. China, on the other hand, has around 600 nuclear warheads but is expanding its stockpile at a faster rate than other nations. Last month, Beijing welcomed Putin’s offer to extend the New START treaty, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stating that the US and Russia should fulfill their responsibility for nuclear disarmament.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics at play in international nuclear disarmament efforts. With the New START treaty’s expiration looming, the future of arms control agreements remains uncertain. Russia’s stance on not pressuring China into participating in denuclearization talks adds another layer to the already complex geopolitical landscape. As the international community continues to navigate these issues, the importance of cooperation and diplomacy in achieving nuclear disarmament goals remains a pressing concern.