NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that the world needs new disarmament agreements in the area of nuclear weapons, emphasizing that they must be negotiated with China‘s participation.
“Almost all agreements that regulate atomic weapons and ensure ‘transparency’ have been eliminated. We need to bring them back… I think the next agreements should also include China,” Stoltenberg said, speaking at an event in Oslo City Hall. His speech was broadcast by Norwegian publication VG.
In late August, US presidential candidate Donald Trump expressed his opinion that nuclear weapons are the primary problem for both his country and the world, stressing the need to ensure they are never used. Assessing the nuclear arsenals of other powers, he also expressed confidence that China would be able to “catch up with the US” within the next four to five years.
On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, commenting on reports that Russia is refining its nuclear strategy, stated that nuclear war cannot be waged, and all parties must remain calm and exercise restraint.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia may revise its nuclear doctrine amidst discussions about the possibility of lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons. According to him, explosive nuclear devices of super-low yield are being developed, and Western expert circles are floating ideas that such weapons could be used with no significant consequences.