ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The United States and China resumed semi-official nuclear arms talks in March, marking the first such dialogue in five years. During these discussions, Beijing’s representatives assured their U.S. counterparts that they would not resort to nuclear threats concerning Taiwan. This assurance followed concerns raised by U.S. delegates that China might consider using nuclear weapons if faced with defeat in a conflict over Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory despite Taipei’s democratic governance.
According to David Santoro, the U.S. organizer of the Track Two talks, the Chinese delegation felt confident about winning a conventional conflict over Taiwan without nuclear weapons. Track Two talks involve former officials and academics who can provide insights into their governments’ positions. However, they are not directly involved in formal government negotiations (Track One).
The discussions took place in a Shanghai hotel conference room and included approximately six U.S. delegates, comprising former officials and scholars. Beijing’s delegation consisted of scholars, analysts, and former People’s Liberation Army officers.
While some view these talks positively, including U.S. officials, they do not substitute for formal negotiations involving authoritative government participation, as highlighted by a State Department spokesperson. Despite briefly resuming formal Track One nuclear arms talks in November, U.S.-China relations remain strained due to various economic and geopolitical issues.
The Pentagon estimates that China’s nuclear arsenal increased by over 20% between 2021 and 2023, highlighting concerns about Beijing’s nuclear policies and its military activities around Taiwan. The Track Two discussions are part of a broader dialogue on nuclear weapons and posture that stalled after the Trump administration withdrew funding in 2019 but resumed semi-officially following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, the talks come at a time when both countries face increasing international pressure to address their nuclear policies.
read more
image source
