Amid an increasingly tumultuous time of escalating global nuclear tensions, a quiet but potentially significant development emerged in the Southeast Asia region. During the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Post-Ministerial Conference with China, Beijing reportedly declared its commitment to sign the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty “without reservation.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed this, expressing China’s willingness “to be the first” in signing the treaty. Russia is expected to sign as well, according to Malaysia’s foreign minister.
Beijing’s longstanding support for the SEANWFZ has been consistent and welcomed by the region and proponents of disarmament. What is more surprising – and arguably more consequential – is that the United States is reportedly reviewing and considering the treaty.
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