Parity-based US strategic doctrines are being challenged: China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal to rival those of the US and Russia; the combined forces of Beijing and Moscow could easily outnumber those of the Western allies. Given the existential danger, the US must modernize its nuclear forces, pursue trilateral arms talks, and encourage the UK and France to enhance their nuclear capabilities to address this evolving threat.
Key Takeaways
- How can we address China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal, which will soon rival those of the US and Russia? This policy brief sheds light on some potential answers.
- The combined forces of Beijing and Moscow could outnumber those of the US and its Western allies, challenging parity-based US strategic doctrines. What can be done?
- Given the existential danger, the US must modernize its nuclear forces, pursue trilateral arms talks, and encourage the UK and France to enhance their nuclear capabilities.
Arms Uncontrolled: China’s Strategic Nuclear Weapons Expansion and Its Implications for the United States by Hoover Institution
