Trump urges China, Russia arms control in Putin call

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Donald Trump urged "effective arms control" that includes China and Russia during a telephone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the White House said Thursday.

"President Trump reaffirmed that the United States is committed to effective arms control that includes not only Russia, but also China, and looks forward to future discussions to avoid a costly arms race," according to spokesman Judd Deere.

Trump also spoke about the coronavirus pandemic, and other regional and bilateral matters, Deere said.

The call is the second in as many days between Washington and Moscow after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke Wednesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a discussion that also addressed arms control.