Nuke treaty may 'reset' US, Russia ties

Experts say US may use the arms cut as bargain chip ahead of two key summits

BEIJING - A nuclear arms reduction treaty, which is likely to be signed soon by Cold War-era rivals US and Russia, is an indication of a "reset" in relations between the two powers, and will serve as a bargain chip for the US during two key upcoming nuclear summits, analysts said on Thursday.

"The treaty benefits both sides," said Shi Yinhong, an expert on American studies at the Renmin University. "The US will realize its purpose in political propaganda, and Russia can relax from the huge costs of maintaining a big arsenal."