US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that any future nuclear weapons agreement must include the United States, Russia, and China, arguing that such a format would benefit global security.

According to Rubio, the US president firmly believes that in the 21st century no nuclear deal can be considered legitimate unless it involves all three major powers — the United States, Russia, and China. Washington intends to continue assessing Moscow’s and Beijing’s readiness for such an arrangement. He added that reaching this type of agreement would be good for the entire world.

At the same time, Rubio stressed that the United States cannot force other countries into such a deal. Washington can apply pressure, guide, and persuade, but participation must ultimately be voluntary. If Russia and China are willing to negotiate a trilateral nuclear weapons agreement, the US is ready for talks; if not, the United States will continue to act in accordance with its own interests.

The New START Treaty expired on February 5. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that after the treaty’s expiration, Moscow would be prepared to continue observing its limits for one year, provided the United States reciprocates.