Five nuclear-weapon states and United Nations Security Council permanent members, the U.S., UK, France, Russia, and China issued a joint statement to avoid war between nuclear-weapon states and pledged to reduce strategic risks of the arms race.
“We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. 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. We believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented”, the statement read.
The White House released a statement highlighting that the five nuclear powers reaffirmed the importance of addressing nuclear threats and preserving and complying with bilateral and multilateral nonproliferation, disarmament, and arms control agreements and commitments.
“We remain committed to our Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations, including our Article VI obligation “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 statement added.
UNSC permanent members also agreed to maintain and further strengthen national measures to prevent unauthorized or unintended use of nuclear weapons, and reiterated the validity of previous statements on de-targeting, reaffirming that none of the nuclear weapons are targeted at each other or at any other State.
The statement also highlighted that the five members underlined the desire to work with all states 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.
The five nuclear-weapon states also agreed “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 that would benefit none and endanger all.”
The U.S. White House release stated that the members agreed to pursue a constructive dialogue with mutual respect and acknowledged each other’s security interests and concerns.
