WASHINGTON, March 7. /TASS/. The US administration would like to discuss denuclearization with Russia and China, US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House.
Trump pointed out that he had discussed the issue with Moscow and Beijing during his first term in office and would like to resume those consultations.
"It would be great if everybody would get rid of their nuclear weapons," he pointed out.
"Russia and us have by far the most. China will have an equal amount within four or five years, and it would be great if we could all denuclearize, because the power of nuclear weapons is crazy. It's crazy," Trump added.
"I was very close to having a program with Russia, denuclearization, and we're going to get China. I spoke to [Chinese] President Xi [Jinping] about it, and he would have been very happy to have gone along with it," the US leader went on. "But bad things happened, like an election. It was rigged. <…> And so we had to come back four years later. But I would very much like to start those thoughts the opposite of what you say, the denuclearization would be incredible."
Previously, Trump said he viewed the use of nuclear weapons or the emergence of new nuclear powers as unacceptable. Moreover, he declared his intention to negotiate with Russia and China on reducing nuclear stockpiles. After taking office on January 20, Trump sent multiple signals about his willingness to discuss the subject, but has so far put forward no concrete proposals. Among other things, Moscow and Washington need to discuss whether they are ready to forge a deal to replace the New START treaty on the reduction of strategic offensive arms, which expires in 2026.