Nuclear Arms Control, Russia, China, US Deterrence

The US and Russia’s New START treaty expired at midnight, marking the end of nearly five decades of nuclear arms control efforts. The treaty limited each side to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads, but its expiration has raised concerns about a new nuclear arms race. Experts warn that the US nuclear arsenal is outdated and in need of modernization, while China’s nuclear arsenal is growing rapidly. A year-long extension of the treaty is being considered, but a new arms control strategy may be necessary to address the growing threat from China. The US and Russia have agreed to re-open their bilateral dialogue, which could serve as a conduit for voluntary agreements to restrain respective nuclear buildups or destabilizing activities.