China and Russia have jointly called on nuclear-weapon states to abandon Cold War mindsets and zero-sum games, urging a move toward global strategic stability. In a joint statement released on Thursday, the two nations emphasized the importance of constructive relationships among major countries to address worldwide strategic issues.
They highlighted that nuclear-weapon states carry a special responsibility for international security and should refrain from actions that could escalate strategic risks. “Concerns should be addressed through equal dialogue and consultations based on mutual respect,” the statement stressed, aiming to enhance trust and prevent dangerous miscalculations.
The statement expressed concern that not all nuclear-weapon states are adhering to this approach, noting escalating tensions that could lead to direct military conflicts. It pointed out that new problems and challenges in the strategic domain are emerging, increasing the risk of nuclear conflict.
China and Russia specifically criticized certain nuclear-weapon states for activities like establishing military bases in sensitive areas near other nuclear-weapon states, showcasing military might to exert pressure, and conducting hostile acts that threaten other countries’ core security interests. These actions, they stated, are urgent strategic risks that need to be addressed.
The ongoing deployment of military facilities and advanced offensive and defensive weapons was also highlighted as a serious concern. The statement mentioned the recently announced “Golden Dome” plan by the United States, which aims to develop a global, multi-level missile defense system. According to the statement, this plan undermines strategic stability and seeks to negate the interrelationship between strategic offensive and defensive arms.
Moreover, the “Golden Dome” program proposes increasing outer space combat capabilities, including deploying orbital interception systems. China and Russia argued that weaponizing outer space and turning it into a domain for armed confrontation exacerbates tensions.
Both nations opposed the use of outer space for military superiority and condemned the use of commercial space systems to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states or intervene in armed conflicts involving other countries.
The statement accused a certain nuclear-weapon state of attempting to undermine the strategic deterrence of other nuclear-weapon states with the support of its allies. Pursuing overwhelming military superiority and seeking “absolute strategic security,” they contended, violates the principle of equal and indivisible security and disrupts strategic balance.
China and Russia called for the avoidance of any military confrontation among nuclear-weapon states. They urged for political and diplomatic solutions based on mutual recognition and respect for each other’s security interests and concerns.
The statement also pointed out concerns regarding the trilateral security partnership between the United States, Britain, and Australia. They argued that this partnership aims to establish military facilities used by two nuclear-weapon states within the territory of a signatory to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty. Such actions, they warned, undermine regional strategic stability and could provoke an arms race.
