UK: Britain's national security adviser, Stephen Lovegrove, has warned that the West must improve communications with China and Russia or risk miscalculations in a nuclear war.
Lovegrove said in a speech to the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington that the world is entering a "dangerous new era of proliferation," in which technological advances are increasing the potential damage to weapons and those weapon systems more widely. Is. are provided from.
According to Lovegrove, Britain and its allies have "clear concerns" about China's nuclear modernization program, which will increase both the number and type of nuclear weapon systems in its arsenal.
"During the Cold War, we benefited from a series of conversations and dialogues that improved our understanding of Soviet doctrine and capabilities - and vice versa," Lovegrove said in his virtual speech to a US think tank.
"It further reassured both of us that we would not miscalculate our way into nuclear war." Today we do not have the same foundation as others who may pose a threat to us in the future, especially to China."
Many existing arms control treaties are "designed for a world that no longer exists," were drawn up for a "bipolar conflict" and did not include "dangerous new and emerging technologies."
Lovegrove believes a more integrated approach to arms control is needed in a range of proliferation issues to reduce the risk of a future nuclear conflict.
"We must recognize that existing nuclear states are investing in new nuclear technologies and developing new 'war-fighting' nuclear systems to compel others," he said.
China, Russia and the United States are all working on hypersonic missile technology that can maneuver in the air while evading conventional missile defense systems. China recently simulated a flight from Jinan to New York, the People's Liberation Army Northern Theater Headquarters.
Russia used nuclear-capable Kinzel air-launched ballistic missiles to strike targets in Ukraine in March, becoming the first country to use hypersonic weapons in combat.
Lovegrove's speech came days before a phone call between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping during which Biden is expected to pressure Beijing over its "excessive maritime claims" in the South China Sea.
The two are also expected to talk about tensions in Taiwan, where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to visit next month, and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Britain "strongly supports" the Biden-Xi call expected in the coming days.
The trust and transparency built through dialogue should allow us to be more proactive in looking at non-compliance and abuse," Lovegrove explained.
Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss spar in first TV debate in poll of electoral college
