Senator Risch Questions Experts on Negotiating Nuclear Treaties with China

Challenges in Negotiating with China

• 🎯 Senator James Risch believes China will only negotiate nuclear arms treaties when they perceive they have reached parity with the United States.
• ⚠️ Ms. Billingsley agrees, stating China's plan to reach parity poses a significant problem for arms control, especially if they are at equal numerical standing with the US.

Past Negotiation Strategies

• 🧊 Ms. Billingsley explains the strategy during the first Trump administration was to pursue a freeze on all warhead production.
• 🛑 This aimed to halt Russian buildup of non-strategic capabilities and prevent China from disrupting the existing framework.
• 📉 However, she notes that this opportunity may have already passed.

Prospects for Future Negotiations

• 🤝 Ms. God Miller agrees it has been difficult to engage China on their nuclear modernization.
• 🗣️ She places stock in President Trump's stated desire to discuss nuclear weapons controls with both Russian and Chinese counterparts.
• 🚀 A breakthrough at the presidential level is often necessary for governments to advance such discussions.
• 🗓️ President Xi will be aware that this issue will be on the agenda for their meetings in 2026.