China suspends talks with the US on nuclear non-proliferation

July 18 (UPI) – Because of Washington’s arms deals with Taiwan, China has suspended negotiations with the United States on arms control and nuclear non-proliferation.

Beijing Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jain announced the suspension of talks during a press conference on Wednesday.

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“In recent weeks and months, despite China’s staunch opposition and repeated protests, the United States has continued to sell arms to Taiwan and do things that seriously undermine China’s core interests and China-US mutual trust,” Lin said.

“Consequently, the Chinese side has decided to postpone talks with the United States on a new round of consultations on arms control and non-proliferation.”

China views Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, as a rogue province and has vowed to retake it by force if necessary.

Although the United States does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it maintains what is known as an unofficial relationship under which Washington sells weapons to Taipei, including a $360 million arms deal that the Biden administration signed last month.

In April, President Joe Biden also signed a military aid bill that provided $8 billion for the island territory.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed China’s withdrawal from the talks.

“China has chosen to follow Russia’s example and assert that arms control efforts cannot continue when there are other challenges in bilateral relations,” he told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday. “By suspending these consultations, China has unfortunately chosen not to pursue efforts that would contain strategic risks and prevent costly arms races.”

The announcement comes against a backdrop of strained relations between the two sides and Beijing’s growing nuclear weapons stockpile.

According to a report released last month by the Stockholm Peace Research Institute, China’s nuclear arsenal has grown from 410 to 500 warheads over the past year, and Beijing’s stockpile is expected to continue growing.

Both countries said they were ready to resume talks. Miller said this would depend on China’s willingness to manage strategic risks, while Lin said “the responsibility rests entirely with the United States.”

“The United States must respect China’s core interests and create the necessary conditions for dialogue and exchange,” he said.