US accuses China of rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal, calls for inclusion in future arms treaty

The US accused China of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and urged Beijing to join future arms control agreements after the New START treaty with Russia expired. Washington claims China may reach nuclear parity with the US and Russia within 4-5 years and could have over 1,000 warheads by 2030. The US says the New START treaty's expiration is an opportunity to negotiate a broader agreement including China, despite Beijing's refusal to participate.