China halts nuclear arms talks with US over Taiwan support
China has halted its discussions with the United States regarding nuclear non-proliferation and arms control in response to United States arms sales to Taiwan.
The US deemed Beijing's decision on Wednesday 'unfortunate,' while experts warned it could significantly hinder global arms-control initiatives.
In November, China and the US began talks on nuclear weapons to reduce mutual distrust before a summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden. However, no further discussions have been publicly scheduled since then. In January, a White House official called on Beijing to engage with the US's substantial proposals on risk reduction.
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Wednesday that the US's arms sales to Taiwan had 'severely damaged the political environment necessary for ongoing arms-control consultations.'
'As a result, China has decided to suspend discussions with the US on a new round of arms control and non-proliferation talks,' Lin Jian, the spokesperson, announced at a regular briefing in Beijing.
'The responsibility entirely falls on the United States,' Lin asserted. He added that China remains open to communication on international arms control but insisted that the US 'must respect China's core interests and establish the necessary conditions for dialogue and exchange.'
While the US shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, it continues to be Taiwan's primary partner and largest arms supplier, leading to frequent objections from China.
Over the past four years Taiwan has raised concerns about increased Chinese military activities near the island, including nearly daily sorties by Chinese aircraft and naval vessels.
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