INTERNATIONAL: For the first time, the leaders of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States have issued a joint statement on Monday, on preventing a nuclear war and avoiding an arms race while not aiming nuclear devices at each other, and the reduction of strategic risks of these kinds of weapons and technology.

The five countries consider the avoidance of war between Nuclear-Weapon States and the reduction of strategic risks as their foremost responsibilities, the leaders of the five countries in a joint statement said they affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.

The statement said: "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,"

The five countries, also permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, have said they believe strongly that the further spread of such weapons must be prevented.

They also reaffirmed the importance of addressing nuclear threats and emphasized the importance of preserving and complying with their bilateral and multilateral non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control agreements and commitments.

The five nations have also stated: "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," the leaders of the five countries said in the joint statement, reiterating the validity of their previous statements on "de-targeting, reaffirming that none of our nuclear weapons are targeted at each other or at any other State."

The five countries also underlined their 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.

The five recognized nuclear powers have also expressed their 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.