The United States is currently dealing with significant nuclear challenges from both China and Russia, as stated by Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno during a congressional hearing. DiNanno highlighted the need for updated arms control agreements to address the evolving global security landscape. He emphasized that the existing traditional frameworks are inadequate in the face of current geopolitical and technological complexities.
DiNanno pointed out that the US is now facing a historic shift in the threat environment, with China and Russia posing simultaneous nuclear challenges alongside risks from smaller nuclear states. He stressed the importance of seeking verifiable and enforceable arms control agreements to enhance national security, focusing on modernizing outdated mechanisms to address the expanding nuclear capabilities of US adversaries.
The undersecretary criticized the limitations of existing treaties, citing the New START agreement as an example that constrained the US while allowing Russia to expand its nuclear arsenal. He defended the administration’s decision to move beyond the expired agreement and pursue new frameworks aligned with President Donald Trump’s vision for adaptable and enforceable agreements that consider technological advancements and strategic competition.
DiNanno outlined the State Department’s efforts to integrate key security functions under a unified structure, emphasizing the consolidation of international security functions to enhance coordination across various areas such as arms control, nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and political-military affairs. He highlighted the broad portfolio overseen by his team, which includes preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, managing arms sales, and coordinating international security partnerships.
