Title
Chinese Nuclear Weapons Enhancements – Implications for Chinese Employment Policy
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-7-2014
Abstract
Mainstream analysis of China’s nuclear weapons program sees the current buildup as restrained and driven by American counterforce capabilities (both conventional and nuclear). This reflects an assumption by such analysts that PRC strategists share assumptions with Western analysts about the disutility of nuclear weapons. This manuscript presents an alternative interpretation of China’s current nuclear modernization. The article examines the capabilities being acquired by the PRC, including rapid response, MIRVs, and highly survivable delivery systems. The paper argues it is equally plausible that China seeks warfighting capabilities and that will be useful in political coercion as it transitions to an international hegemon.
DOI
10.1080/14702436.2014.889471
Repository Citation
Tkacik, Michael, "Chinese Nuclear Weapons Enhancements – Implications for Chinese Employment Policy" (2014). Faculty Publications. 12.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/government/12
Comments
Defence Studies
Volume 14, Issue 2, 2014
Michael Tkacik
pages 161-191