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"A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought."US, France, Russia, China and Britain pledge to halt spread of nuclear weapons
Five global nuclear powers pledged Monday to prevent atomic weapons spreading and to avoid nuclear conflict, in a rare joint statement setting aside rising West-East tensions to reaffirm a goal of a nuke-free world.
© AFP (Archives)
"We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented," said permanent UN Security Council members China, France, Russia, the UK and United States, adding: "A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought."
The statement was issued after the latest review of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) -- which first came into force in 1970 -- was postponed from its scheduled date of January 4 to later in the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Putting aside current differences that have caused major tensions between both China and Russia and their Western partners, the five world powers said they saw "the avoidance of war between nuclear-weapon states and the reduction of strategic risks as our foremost responsibilities."
"As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons -- for as long as they continue to exist -- should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war," they said according to the English text released by the White House.
The powers added: "We each intend to maintain and further strengthen our national measures to prevent unauthorised or unintended use of nuclear weapons."
The statement also contained a pledge to abide by a key article in the NPT under which states committed to full nuclear disarmament in the future.
"We remain committed to our NPT obligations, including our Article 6 obligation" on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict control.
According to the UN, a total of 191 states have joined the treaty. The provisions of the treaty call for a review of its operation every five years.
'Reduce tensions'
The statement comes as tensions between Russia and the United States have reached heights rarely seen since the Cold War over a troop build-up by Moscow close to the Ukrainian border.
That has raised fears that the Kremlin, worried by the possibility of further eastward expansion of NATO, is planning a new attack on its pro-Western neighbour. Crunch talks between Russia and the US on European security are expected in Geneva on January 10.
The rise of China meanwhile under President Xi Jinping has also raised concerns that tensions with Washington could lead to conflict, notably over the island of Taiwan.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.
Russia welcomed the declaration by the atomic powers and expressed hope it would reduce global tensions.
"We hope that, in the current difficult conditions of international security, the approval of such a political statement will help reduce the level of international tensions," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the RIA Novosti news agency that Moscow still considered a summit between the world's nuclear powers to be "necessary".
China vice foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu was quoted by the official Xinhua news agency as saying the pledge "will help increase mutual trust and replace competition among major powers with coordination and cooperation."
The statement also came as the world powers seek to reach agreement with Iran on reviving the 2015 deal over its controversial nuclear drive, which was rendered moribund by the US walking out of the accord in 2018.
Washington, which has never ruled out military action against Iran, has repeatedly warned time is running out to agree a deal.
The NPT recognises China, France, Russia, the UK and United States as nuclear weapons powers.
India and Pakistan however have also developed nuclear weapons while Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear arms but has never officially acknowledged this.
These three states are not signatories of the NPT. North Korea, which has also developed nuclear weapons, pulled out of the NPT in 2003.
(AFP)
"We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented," said permanent UN Security Council members China, France, Russia, the UK and United States, adding: "A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought."
The statement was issued after the latest review of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) -- which first came into force in 1970 -- was postponed from its scheduled date of January 4 to later in the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Putting aside current differences that have caused major tensions between both China and Russia and their Western partners, the five world powers said they saw "the avoidance of war between nuclear-weapon states and the reduction of strategic risks as our foremost responsibilities."
"As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons -- for as long as they continue to exist -- should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war," they said according to the English text released by the White House.
The powers added: "We each intend to maintain and further strengthen our national measures to prevent unauthorised or unintended use of nuclear weapons."
The statement also contained a pledge to abide by a key article in the NPT under which states committed to full nuclear disarmament in the future.
"We remain committed to our NPT obligations, including our Article 6 obligation" on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict control.
According to the UN, a total of 191 states have joined the treaty. The provisions of the treaty call for a review of its operation every five years.
'Reduce tensions'
The statement comes as tensions between Russia and the United States have reached heights rarely seen since the Cold War over a troop build-up by Moscow close to the Ukrainian border.
That has raised fears that the Kremlin, worried by the possibility of further eastward expansion of NATO, is planning a new attack on its pro-Western neighbour. Crunch talks between Russia and the US on European security are expected in Geneva on January 10.
The rise of China meanwhile under President Xi Jinping has also raised concerns that tensions with Washington could lead to conflict, notably over the island of Taiwan.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.
Russia welcomed the declaration by the atomic powers and expressed hope it would reduce global tensions.
"We hope that, in the current difficult conditions of international security, the approval of such a political statement will help reduce the level of international tensions," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the RIA Novosti news agency that Moscow still considered a summit between the world's nuclear powers to be "necessary".
China vice foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu was quoted by the official Xinhua news agency as saying the pledge "will help increase mutual trust and replace competition among major powers with coordination and cooperation."
The statement also came as the world powers seek to reach agreement with Iran on reviving the 2015 deal over its controversial nuclear drive, which was rendered moribund by the US walking out of the accord in 2018.
Washington, which has never ruled out military action against Iran, has repeatedly warned time is running out to agree a deal.
The NPT recognises China, France, Russia, the UK and United States as nuclear weapons powers.
India and Pakistan however have also developed nuclear weapons while Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear arms but has never officially acknowledged this.
These three states are not signatories of the NPT. North Korea, which has also developed nuclear weapons, pulled out of the NPT in 2003.
(AFP)
Five world powers issue pledge to prevent nuclear war
China, France, Russia, the UK and the US have agreed that a nuclear war "cannot be won and must never be fought."
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council have issued a pledge to prevent the spread of nuclear arms and have stated, nuclear war cannot happen
Five of the world's nuclear powers on Monday pledged to prevent the proliferation of nuclear arms and have also said that nuclear war is not an option.
In a rare statement issued jointly, China, France, Russia, the UK and the US said: "We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented."
The statement went on to say: "A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought."
There was also affirmation that "nuclear weapons — for as long as they continue to exist — should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war."
What the P5 nations say they hope to achieve
The permanent five members of the United Nations Security Council (P5) agreed "to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control."
The joint pledge was issued ahead of what was to be the latest review of the Treaty of the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The tenth review session which was scheduled to take place at UN headquarters in New York this month, was postponed to later this year.
China's Xinhau media agency quoted Foreign Minister Ma Zhauxu as saying that the joint agreement "will help increase mutual trust and replace competition among major powers with coordination and cooperation."
Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "We hope that in the current difficult conditions of international security, the approval of such a political statement will help reduce the level of international tensions."
Understanding the NPT
The NPT is an international agreement designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology while seeking to achieve complete nuclear disarmament. It supports the right to harness nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
The treaty came into in force 1970 after being opened for signature in 1968. In total 191 states have signed the treaty including the five recognized nuclear weapon states.
According to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, more countries have ratified the NPT than any other arms limitation and disarmament agreement, which is regarded as testament to its significance.
South Africa remains the only country known to have developed nuclear weapons and then to have dismantled its nuclear arsenal completely.
North Korea is the only country to withdraw from the treaty.
Geopolitical tensions among the P5 nations
The statement comes amid a heightened atmosphere of tension among global powers. The military buildup on Russia's border with Ukraine and Kyiv's concern of an invasion has had Washington warning Moscow of sanctions. The US said it would "respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine."
Relations between Beijing and Washington are also strained over the status of Taiwan and increased military activity in the Pacific.
In December both the US and the EU accused Beijing of undermining peace and security in the region.
China considers Taiwan to be its territory and has warned it will take the island by force if necessary.
China, France, Russia, the UK and the US have agreed that a nuclear war "cannot be won and must never be fought."
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council have issued a pledge to prevent the spread of nuclear arms and have stated, nuclear war cannot happen
Five of the world's nuclear powers on Monday pledged to prevent the proliferation of nuclear arms and have also said that nuclear war is not an option.
In a rare statement issued jointly, China, France, Russia, the UK and the US said: "We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented."
The statement went on to say: "A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought."
There was also affirmation that "nuclear weapons — for as long as they continue to exist — should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war."
What the P5 nations say they hope to achieve
The permanent five members of the United Nations Security Council (P5) agreed "to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control."
The joint pledge was issued ahead of what was to be the latest review of the Treaty of the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The tenth review session which was scheduled to take place at UN headquarters in New York this month, was postponed to later this year.
China's Xinhau media agency quoted Foreign Minister Ma Zhauxu as saying that the joint agreement "will help increase mutual trust and replace competition among major powers with coordination and cooperation."
Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "We hope that in the current difficult conditions of international security, the approval of such a political statement will help reduce the level of international tensions."
Understanding the NPT
The NPT is an international agreement designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology while seeking to achieve complete nuclear disarmament. It supports the right to harness nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
The treaty came into in force 1970 after being opened for signature in 1968. In total 191 states have signed the treaty including the five recognized nuclear weapon states.
According to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, more countries have ratified the NPT than any other arms limitation and disarmament agreement, which is regarded as testament to its significance.
South Africa remains the only country known to have developed nuclear weapons and then to have dismantled its nuclear arsenal completely.
North Korea is the only country to withdraw from the treaty.
Geopolitical tensions among the P5 nations
The statement comes amid a heightened atmosphere of tension among global powers. The military buildup on Russia's border with Ukraine and Kyiv's concern of an invasion has had Washington warning Moscow of sanctions. The US said it would "respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine."
Relations between Beijing and Washington are also strained over the status of Taiwan and increased military activity in the Pacific.
In December both the US and the EU accused Beijing of undermining peace and security in the region.
China considers Taiwan to be its territory and has warned it will take the island by force if necessary.
China hails UN Security Council permanent members' joint nuclear statement
04-Jan-2022
CGTN
S
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on Monday hailed a joint statement issued by the leaders of the five nuclear-weapon states – China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States – on preventing nuclear war and avoiding arms races.
The five countries reaffirmed in the statement that none of their nuclear weapons are targeted at each other or any other state and that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.
In an interview, Ma noted that it was the first time that the leaders of the five countries issued a statement on nuclear weapons, and that showed their political will to prevent nuclear war and also sent a shared voice of maintaining global strategic stability and reducing the risk of nuclear conflict.
The statement also helps the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)enhance mutual trust and replace great-power competition with coordinated cooperation, he said.
China, he added, had played an important role in facilitating the countries to reach a positive and solid statement.
The five countries are permanent members of the UNSC, known as P5, as well as legally recognized nuclear-weapon states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Ma said they bear a common responsibility to prevent nuclear war and safeguard world peace.
"The five countries should take the joint statement as a new starting point to enhance mutual trust, strengthen coordination, and play a positive role in building a world with lasting peace and common security," he said.
China has always maintained a nuclear strategy that is defensive, pursued a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and maintained its nuclear force at the minimum level required for safeguarding national security, Ma said, adding, "This in itself is an important contribution to global strategic stability."
Fu Cong, director-general of the arms control department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, also welcomed the statement, calling it "very pertinent" and "very timely."
Fu told CGTN in an interview that the P5 countries do not issue joint statements very often – the last time was in 2000 – which showed the significance of the new statement.
He believes that the document will help maintain global strategic stability and reduce the danger of nuclear war.
China plays a very active role and even a leading role in the efforts to reach the agreement, according to Fu.
China has long advocated for the principle of "a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought," he said, adding that this principle is widely welcomed by non-nuclear-weapon states.
Preventing nuclear war
The joint statement noted that the five countries consider the avoidance of war between nuclear-weapon states and the reduction of strategic risks as their foremost responsibilities.
Stressing "a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought," the five countries affirmed that nuclear weapons – for as long as they continue to exist – should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war.
"We reiterate the validity of our previous statements on de-targeting, reaffirming that none of our nuclear weapons are targeted at each other or at any other State," the joint statement reads.
The signatories also underlined their desire to work with all other nations to create a security environment more conducive to progress on disarmament with the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all.
"We intend to continue seeking bilateral and multilateral diplomatic approaches to avoid military confrontations, strengthen stability and predictability, increase mutual understanding and confidence, and prevent an arms race," they added.
04-Jan-2022
CGTN
S
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on Monday hailed a joint statement issued by the leaders of the five nuclear-weapon states – China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States – on preventing nuclear war and avoiding arms races.
The five countries reaffirmed in the statement that none of their nuclear weapons are targeted at each other or any other state and that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.
In an interview, Ma noted that it was the first time that the leaders of the five countries issued a statement on nuclear weapons, and that showed their political will to prevent nuclear war and also sent a shared voice of maintaining global strategic stability and reducing the risk of nuclear conflict.
The statement also helps the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)enhance mutual trust and replace great-power competition with coordinated cooperation, he said.
China, he added, had played an important role in facilitating the countries to reach a positive and solid statement.
The five countries are permanent members of the UNSC, known as P5, as well as legally recognized nuclear-weapon states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Ma said they bear a common responsibility to prevent nuclear war and safeguard world peace.
"The five countries should take the joint statement as a new starting point to enhance mutual trust, strengthen coordination, and play a positive role in building a world with lasting peace and common security," he said.
China has always maintained a nuclear strategy that is defensive, pursued a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and maintained its nuclear force at the minimum level required for safeguarding national security, Ma said, adding, "This in itself is an important contribution to global strategic stability."
Fu Cong, director-general of the arms control department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, also welcomed the statement, calling it "very pertinent" and "very timely."
Fu told CGTN in an interview that the P5 countries do not issue joint statements very often – the last time was in 2000 – which showed the significance of the new statement.
He believes that the document will help maintain global strategic stability and reduce the danger of nuclear war.
China plays a very active role and even a leading role in the efforts to reach the agreement, according to Fu.
China has long advocated for the principle of "a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought," he said, adding that this principle is widely welcomed by non-nuclear-weapon states.
Preventing nuclear war
The joint statement noted that the five countries consider the avoidance of war between nuclear-weapon states and the reduction of strategic risks as their foremost responsibilities.
Stressing "a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought," the five countries affirmed that nuclear weapons – for as long as they continue to exist – should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war.
"We reiterate the validity of our previous statements on de-targeting, reaffirming that none of our nuclear weapons are targeted at each other or at any other State," the joint statement reads.
The signatories also underlined their desire to work with all other nations to create a security environment more conducive to progress on disarmament with the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all.
"We intend to continue seeking bilateral and multilateral diplomatic approaches to avoid military confrontations, strengthen stability and predictability, increase mutual understanding and confidence, and prevent an arms race," they added.
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