Russia: Deep talks with China on missile defense and nuclear issues

(Patria) - Russia and China held talks in Moscow this week on missile defense and strategic stability and agreed to strengthen cooperation in these areas, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Details of the talks were not disclosed, which were held in the context of concerns in both countries about US President Donald Trump's plans to build the "Golden Dome" missile shield and his stated intention to continue nuclear weapons testing after a break of more than thirty years.

"A detailed discussion was held..., including a joint analysis of relevant destabilizing factors that create strategic risks for global and regional security, as well as an exchange of views on ways to minimize them," the Russian ministry's statement said.

"The parties expressed mutual satisfaction with the level and quality of bilateral dialogue and interaction in these areas and confirmed their commitment to further strengthening them."

Trump said he wants to proceed with "denuclearization" with both Russia and China, but Beijing has repeatedly rejected Washington's efforts to involve it in nuclear weapons dialogue.

China is rapidly increasing its nuclear weapons stockpile but has shown little interest in negotiating with Russia and the US, whose current arsenals are far larger.

The last remaining agreement between Russia and the United States limiting the number of strategic nuclear warheads on both sides expires in February.

Trump has not yet formally responded to Moscow's proposal to extend the limits for one year to allow for negotiations on a replacement, which have not yet begun.