President Trump only days after announcing the withdrawal of the US from the cold war era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces(INF) treaty signed 31 years ago in 1987 now has told the reporters on Monday that the US would increase its arsenal of nuclear weapon if the other countries don’t come to their senses. When asked about the nations in particular, Trump told that the statement was intended to all nations that the public thinks and that it includes China, Russia, and other nations that wants to play the game. Even though China was not part of the treaty, Trump felt they should also be included.
Trump broke the treaty with Russia accusing that Moscow has not adhered to the deal. The treaty which was seen as a crucial turn in the history was signed between the Soviet Union and the United States to permanently eliminate 3000 nuclear missiles ranging between 300 to 3400 miles. Trumps treat to buildup nuclear weapons has gathered concern from around the globe.
Marianne Hanson, an associate professor at the University of Queensland and a nuclear arms expert said that both United States and Russia already has enough nuclear weapons that could destroy each other several times. So neither Russia nor United States needs expansion in its nuclear arsenal. Instead they should try diplomacy and work on measures that builds confidence she added.
Hua Chunying, spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned that it was wrong on part of the US to mention China as a reason to back down from the treaty which is important for balancing Global strategy. The US withdrawal from the treaty will have multiple reaction Hua added. Russia on other hand denied the accusations laid on the nation and said that it would be compelled to take action if the US developed new nuclear missiles. President Vladimir Putin and John Bolton, US national security adviser have decided to meet in Moscow to discuss the issue as reported by RIA Novosti, state-run Russian news agency.
Mikhail Gorbachev,Former Soviet leader said the decision of the US to be very irresponsible. Bolton’s why the US should leave the treaty seems to be the reason behind Trump’s decision, felt some analysts. The European Union as well has cautioned about the risks of dropping out from the treaty. Federica Mogherini, EU foreign policy chief spokesperson stated that the INF treaty marked the end of the cold war and has been a pillar in European security architecture since its inception.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO General Secretary earlier said Russia’s lack of respect and commitments towards the treaty have raised concern among the military alliance. After prolonged denial, Russia has acknowledged the existence of 9M729, a new missile system for which it has not given any proper response till date. Few fear that Trump’s announcement would pave way for Russia to continue develop nuclear missiles more openly. Mark Bell, a political science assistant professor at the University of Minnesota said that Washington’s withdrawal could create a chain-reaction among Europe, US-China ties than it affects the US-Russia relations.
Source 1: www.cnn.com
Source 2: edition.cnn.com
