China Set to Join Historic No-Nukes Pact for Southeast Asia
(Source: Reuters)
What’s happening?
China has promised to sign a major treaty banning nuclear weapons across Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s foreign minister announced Thursday.
Key facts in simple terms:
✔️ Treaty name: SEANWFZ (Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone)
✔️ In effect since: 1997
✔️ What it does: Stops nukes in the region, allows only peaceful nuclear use (like energy)
✔️ China’s promise: Will sign “without reservation” once paperwork is ready
Why this matters:
🌏 Biggest power to join: China would be first major nuclear nation to commit
⚡ Safety boost: Could pressure US/Russia/others to follow
🕊️ Regional peace: Strengthens ASEAN’s nuke-free vision
What happens next?
📝 Finalizing documents (no set timeline)
🤝 Other nuclear powers may face pressure to sign
👀 Watch for reactions from US/Russia
Reuters reports:
- China previously said it “firmly supports” the treaty
- ASEAN wants all nuclear powers to join (US, UK, France, Russia too)
- Treaty covers not just land, but also coastal economic zones
This developing story is based on exclusive Reuters reporting from the ASEAN meetings.