Written question asked by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Thursday, 21 May 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 June 2020. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 8 June 2020 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

China: New START Treaty

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to whether the government of China should be party to any future New START Treaty.

Answer: We recognise the contribution the New START Treaty has made to international security by increasing transparency and mutual confidence amongst the two largest Nuclear Weapons States. The Treaty has delivered a reduction of strategic nuclear arsenals, enhanced notably by its robust verification mechanism. We support its continued implementation and have encouraged the US to extend New START while negotiating any successor agreement. However, we are also clear that New START has limitations. It does not include new Russian systems. Nor does it place any limits on China's growing nuclear arsenal. We therefore support the US Government's trilateral strategic arms control initiative.

Secondary information