The two atomic powers should incorporate China in a novel arms-control framework
U.S. President Donald Trump, right, and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. If Washington and Moscow expand their nuclear arsenals after the recent expiry of New START, the impact on Asian countries will be severe. (Nikkei montage/ Source photos by Reuters and AP)
HIROYUKI AKITA
February 22, 2026 18:06 JST
MUNICH — The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, better known as New START, expired on Feb. 5, leaving the U.S. and Russia, the world’s two largest nuclear powers, without major constraints on their nuclear arsenals for the first time in more than half a century. By removing binding ceilings on deployed strategic warheads and delivery systems, including ballistic missiles and heavy bombers, the treaty’s demise opens a more volatile chapter in global security.