US calls on China to ‘help avert unconstrained arms race’ at rare nuclear talks in Washington
- First such bilateral discussion since 2019 described as ‘candid and in-depth’, according to State Department readout
- US said to have stressed importance of greater Chinese nuclear transparency and substantive engagement to cut risks
The US called on China to “help avert an unconstrained arms race” during a rare nuclear discussion between the two sides in Washington on Monday, the State Department said on Tuesday.
The meeting covering issues tied to arms control and non-proliferation was “candid and in-depth”, according to a readout released on Tuesday, adding it was part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage the bilateral relationship.
During the discussion, the US stressed the importance of greater Chinese nuclear transparency and substantive engagement on practical measures to manage and reduce strategic risks across multiple domains, including nuclear and outer space, the readout said.
The US highlighted the need to promote stability, help avert an unconstrained arms race and manage competition so that it does not veer into conflict, it added.