Later this month, a crucial meeting involving the world’s five leading nuclear-armed nations is expected to occur in New York, according to Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov. This informal gathering, referred to as the “Nuclear Five,” comprises the permanent members of the UN Security Council – Russia, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Collectively, these countries are known as the P5.
Ryabkov highlighted that the rotating chairmanship of the P5 will soon transition from Moscow to Beijing. He expressed his support for China’s upcoming leadership role, stating, “We wish China success in these difficult times. They can count on our support, and we hope that the Western trio of participants in this format will behave at least a little more constructively.
The discussions among these nuclear powers will take place during a session of the UN General Assembly First Committee – an organization focused on addressing international disarmament and security issues. As Ryabkov explained, relevant contacts between these nations are currently being held on the sidelines of the First Committee session in New York, where more information about China’s chairmanship plans will be revealed.
The Nuclear Five group last convened in July in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of preparatory work for the upcoming Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This major international event is slated for 2026. The Geneva talks marked the final round under Russia’s current chairmanship, and China will coordinate the next round of discussions.
The upcoming meeting in New York will provide an opportunity for these nuclear-armed nations to address pressing disarmament and security concerns, as well as to foster cooperation on global issues related to their shared possession of powerful weapons.