NATO blasts Russia and China over nuclear policy
Photo: NATO flag (Getty Images)
NATO countries have criticized the nuclear policies of Russia and China and urged them to increase transparency ahead of the conference on nuclear non-proliferation at the UN, according to Reuters.
A statement by the North Atlantic Council emphasized the Alliance’s "strong commitment" to upholding the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which has remained the cornerstone of the global arms control system since 1970.
"Russia has violated crucial arms control commitments and employed irresponsibly threatening nuclear rhetoric. China continues to rapidly expand and diversify its nuclear arsenal without transparency," said the statement.
Oreshnik and Moscow’s signals
NATO Assistant Secretary General Boris Ruge said Russia’s use of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, is another sign of Moscow’s risky policy.
"Today, we face a Russia that has dropped out of all the important arms control agreements, that has been... developing all sorts of... nuclear delivery systems, and that is engaged in the largest war in Europe since 1945," he said.
Ruge also stressed that the Alliance remains defensive in nature and does not use such rhetoric, unlike Russia’s leadership.
China’s response
China rejected the accusations, saying it maintains its nuclear arsenal at the minimum level necessary for security.
"China always keeps its nuclear strength at the minimum level required by national security and will never participate in a nuclear arms race," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said.
Who has the largest arsenals
Estimates suggest the largest nuclear arsenals are held by Russia and the United States, followed by China, France, and the United Kingdom.
Ruge expressed hope that the upcoming conference would produce a joint document on transparency, risk reduction, and strategic stability, although previous attempts to reach consensus have failed.
"Even if we were unable to agree on the document, that - in our view - would not call into question the importance and the validity of the NPT itself," he said.
Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War reported that Russia is expanding its nuclear capabilities at the fastest pace since the Cold War and increasing its military presence near NATO borders.
Analysts believe such steps may indicate Moscow is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with the Alliance.
At the same time, the United States has accused China of conducting covert nuclear tests at the Lop Nur test site despite an international ban.
According to US officials, Beijing may be using specialized methods to mask seismic signals and conceal the development of new types of weapons.
