In a recent statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the United States is looking to include China in any new nuclear arms control agreements with Russia. He emphasized that for a credible arms control framework to exist in the 21st century, representation from these three major nuclear powers is essential, especially in light of the expiration of the New START treaty earlier this month. Rubio conveyed that the Biden administration is committed to pushing for trilateral discussions aimed at establishing a more comprehensive approach to nuclear arms reduction and management.

Rubio admitted that while China's nuclear capabilities are currently significantly smaller than those of the US and Russia, he considers this distinction to be insignificant in the context of future arms control discussions. He warned that China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and is on a trajectory that could easily match or exceed their capabilities in the coming years. This acknowledgment highlights the shifting landscape of global nuclear deterrence and the necessity for America and its allies to update their approaches in response to evolving threats.

The push for a trilateral arms control agreement reflects a broader strategic perspective of the US government as it seeks to address challenges not only from Russia but also from an increasingly assertive China. The Biden administration believes that sustainable nuclear stability can only be achieved when all significant nuclear states are involved in the dialogue, presenting a challenging path forward given the complexities of international relations and differing national interests.