US plays dubious role in arms control

Two new trends have emerged in international arms control in recent years. First, while considering the functions of nuclear weapons and strategic stability, non-nuclear issues are also taken into account because of the scientific advancements in and persistent upgrade of arsenals by major countries. Advancements in non-nuclear fields include the missile-defense system, long-distance precision-guided strike systems, and competence in outer space and cyberspace.

Last month, US President Barack Obama said the US and Russia should reduce their strategic nuclear weapons to 1,000 each based on the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (new START). But Russia emphasized that the power and reach of the US' missile defense and long-distance precision-guided strike systems tilt the strategic balance in Washington's favor. Under such circumstances, Russia can hardly accept the US proposal.

Second, regional issues have a great impact on global strategic stability. Moscow has reiterated that the range and power of NATO's anti-missile system deployed in Europe is compatible with the US' domestic anti-missile system - and since it is aimed at Russia it shifts global and regional strategic balance in favor of Washington. This problem has become a major obstacle in US-Russia negotiations to reduce their nuclear arsenals, including their strategic and tactical nuclear weapons.