Beijing, February 05 (QNA) - China on Thursday expressed regret today over the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, said in press briefing that the treaty was of a crucial importance in maintaining global strategic stability, adding that the international community is deeply concerned.

He predicted that its expiration would have negative repercussions for the international arms control regime and the global nuclear order, noting the urgent need for new approaches to ensure global stability.

The New START treaty expired this month, and talks regarding its future have collapsed following the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin then announced the suspension of his country's participation in the treaty in early 2023. (QNA)