Deputy Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno, speaking at a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that the Trump administration is committed to preparing an agreement to succeed New START. Speaking about the previous treaty, the diplomat noted that it had not been effective for the United States and that President Donald Trump intends to secure a new agreement that will be better than the previous one. By “better,” he apparently meant expanding the number of participants to include China, which, according to Pentagon reports, is rapidly developing its strategic offensive weapons. Washington believes this is part of Beijing’s course toward achieving a dominant position in the region.