The United States welcomes China’s commitment to arms control talks and smart next steps should include face-to-face meetings between US and Chinese officials, said State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.

Her remarks came after a senior Chinese diplomat said that China would like to negotiate arms control with the US and Russia, but only if Washington wants to reduce its nuclear arsenal to China's level, Reuters reported.

“But actually, we know that’s not going to happen,” added Fu Cong, the head of the arms control department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

“The United States welcomes China’s commitment to engage in arms control negotiations,” Ortagus noted. “As such, prudent next steps will need to include face-to-face meetings between the United States and China.” 

According to her, Marshall Billingslea, special envoy for arms control, will invite China to join the "good faith negotiations" in Vienna, Austria.

“The US also recommends that China meet with Russia at an early date to consider next steps for trilateral arms control negotiations,” Ortagus noted.