Nuclear cooperation remains an important element of the enduring special relationship between the US and the UK. Discussions between the Foreign and Defence Secretaries and their US counterparts are reflected and supported by daily cooperation at official level on arms control, nuclear deterrence policy, counter proliferation and strategic stability between the UK and the US, as well as by wider cooperation with NATO Allies.

The UK engages regularly with Chinese officials and civil society on nuclear issues, including through our annual dialogue on Counter Proliferation and discussions with the Chinese Arms Control and Disarmament Association. We discuss nuclear issues with both China and the US within the P5 Process.

The Foreign Secretary has regular discussions with his US counterpart on a range of issues, including strategic security.

US strategic arms, along with those of Russia, are limited by the New START Treaty. We recognise the contribution New START has made to international security by increasing transparency and mutual confidence among the two largest Nuclear Weapons States. We support its continued implementation and have encouraged the US to extend New START while negotiating a successor agreement.

However, New START does not include new Russian systems, nor does it place any limits on China's growing nuclear arsenal. We therefore urge China to engage seriously with the US calls for a new trilateral arms control agreement.