Press Release M-NAC- 2(2000)121 Report on Options for Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBMs), Verification, Non-Prolife- ration, Arms Control and Disarmament December 2000

2. Developments over the Last Decade in the Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons Environment 2.1. Risks posed by Weapons of Mass Destruction The proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) weapons and their means of delivery is a matter of serious concern for the Alliance. In spite of welcome progress in strengthening international non-proliferation regimes, major challenges with respect to proliferation remain. The Alliance recognises that proliferation can occur despite efforts to prevent it and can pose a direct military threat to the Allies' populations, territory, and forces. Some states, including some on NATO's periphery and in other regions, sell or acquire or try to acquire NBC weapons and delivery means. Non-state actors have shown the potential to create and use some of these weapons. NATO has greatly reduced its nuclear forces in the last decade. However, the existence of powerful nuclear forces outside the Alliance constitutes a significant factor which the Alliance has to take into account if security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area are to be maintained. Russia still retains a large number of nuclear weapons of all types. China has continued to modernize its nuclear forces over the last decade. In addition, in 1998, India and Pakistan both carried out nuclear tests, seriously challenging the nuclear non-proliferation regime and increasing the dangers associated with regional conflict.