China urges U.S. to halt nuclear-sharing discussions with allies

Thursday 03 September 2026 - 17:05

By: Azzat Manal

China urges U.S. to halt nuclear-sharing discussions with allies

China has called on the United States to stop discussing nuclear-sharing arrangements with its military allies and to abandon the deployment of nuclear weapons abroad, warning that such policies could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry made the remarks in response to comments by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov concerning growing military cooperation between the United States, Japan and South Korea.

Speaking to RIA Novosti, the Chinese ministry said Washington, as a nuclear-armed state, should comply with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Beijing also urged the United States to end discussions on nuclear sharing with its allies and refrain from stationing nuclear weapons outside its territory.

Lavrov had earlier warned that military cooperation among the United States, Japan and South Korea was expanding, including discussions related to nuclear cooperation. According to the Russian foreign minister, closer coordination in this area could contribute to the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

The issue comes amid growing security tensions in East Asia, where North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs have pushed Washington, Tokyo and Seoul to strengthen their defense cooperation. The three countries have increased military exercises, intelligence coordination and discussions on extended deterrence in response to regional security threats.

The NPT entered into force in 1970 and established a framework aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and furthering nuclear disarmament.

Under the treaty, the five states recognized as nuclear-weapon states are the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom. The other signatories committed themselves to remaining non-nuclear-weapon states, while the recognized nuclear powers undertook obligations concerning the transfer and development of nuclear weapons.

China's latest statement reflects Beijing’s broader opposition to the expansion of nuclear arrangements involving U.S. allies. The issue is particularly sensitive as Washington seeks to reassure partners in the Indo-Pacific while maintaining a balance between deterrence and non-proliferation.

The debate over nuclear sharing is expected to remain a major issue in discussions about security architecture in Asia, particularly as regional military cooperation continues to deepen.