Abstract
China’s “no first use” nuclear policy and assured retaliation strategy have remained relatively constant over the years. Recent doctrinal publications, however, suggest that the country’s nuclear missiles could also help deter conventional strategic attacks. Moreover, China is currently modernizing and expanding its nuclear force with the deployment of road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles and the development of a submarine-launched ballistic missile to arm its new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. After decades of reliance on a small and potentially vulnerable strategic deterrent, China is finally achieving the “lean and effective” nuclear force Chinese strategists believe their country needs to protect its security. As a result of these growing nuclear-deterrence capabilities, nuclear issues will likely assume greater importance in the U.S.-China relationship.
Read the article here (subscription required)