The People’s Republic of China,  the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain  and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America consider the avoidance of  war between Nuclear-Weapon States and the reduction of strategic risks as our  foremost responsibilities.

We affirm that a nuclear war  cannot be won and must never be fought. As nuclear use would have far-reaching  consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons—for as long as they continue  to exist—should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression, and prevent war. We  believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented.

We reaffirm the importance of  addressing nuclear threats and emphasize the importance of preserving and  complying with our bilateral and multilateral non-proliferation, disarmament,  and arms control agreements and commitments. We remain committed to our Nuclear  Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations, including our Article VI obligation  “to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to  cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament,  and on a treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective  international control.”

We each intend to maintain and  further strengthen our national measures to prevent unauthorized or unintended  use of nuclear weapons. We reiterate the validity of our previous statements on  de-targeting, reaffirming that none of our nuclear weapons are targeted at each  other or at any other State.

We underline our desire to work  with all states to create a security environment more conducive to progress on  disarmament with the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons with  undiminished security for all. We intend to continue seeking bilateral and  multilateral diplomatic approaches to avoid military confrontations, strengthen  stability and predictability, increase mutual understanding and confidence, and  prevent an arms race that would benefit none and endanger all. We are resolved  to pursue constructive dialogue with mutual respect and acknowledgment of each  other’s security interests and concerns.