The recent lapse of the New START treaty marks a significant change in the landscape of nuclear arms control between the United States and Russia. Having governed arsenals for the past decade, the treaty's expiration means there is now a lack of a substantial control mechanism over the world's two largest nuclear arsenals. The United States has found the New START agreement inadequate and is exploring the possibility of expanding the discussion to involve China, which is one of the other recognized nuclear states globally.

With the end of this crucial treaty, the possibility for both the US and Russia to unilaterally expand their nuclear arsenals has risen significantly. Historically, the START treaty was pivotal for establishing boundaries on nuclear armament and facilitating effective monitoring of these limits. Its absence raises concerns over a potential arms race and the cycle of escalating tensions that could ensue as nations reconsider their military strategies in relation to nuclear capabilities.

The involvement of China in future agreements represents a strategic move from the US amid shifting global power dynamics. As nuclear capacities grow worldwide, the prospect of including China aims to bring about a cooperative approach to arms control. This could prevent an uncontrollable arms race and provide a framework where all nuclear states engage in discussions to limit their arsenals collectively, fostering a stable international environment.