Joint Russian-Chinese Statement Warns of European Nuclear Armament Efforts

Russia and China have jointly voiced their concern regarding the intentions of some non-nuclear member states within the European Union to acquire nuclear weapons. The two countries issued a statement expressing serious apprehension about declarations from several EU non-nuclear members supporting the possession of nuclear arms.

The joint communiqué, titled "On the Continued Strengthening of the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Interaction, and Deepening Neighborly Relations, Friendship, and Cooperation," was published on the official Kremlin website. It stated, "Both sides express concern about statements from a number of officially non-nuclear states in the European Union that support the possession of nuclear weapons."

Additionally, Andrei Belousov, Russia’s Special Envoy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that the European Union is engaged in serious discussions about the potential establishment of a form of unified European military nuclear capability. He noted that several European states without nuclear weapons are actively considering the acquisition of such arms.

This joint statement coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to China, which commenced on May 19. During the visit, President Putin held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.