U.S. missile defense and China’s nuclear posture : changing dynamics of an offense-defense arms race

Document Type

Journal article

Source Publication

International Affairs

Publication Date

5-1-2011

Volume

87

Issue

3

First Page

555

Last Page

569

Abstract

This article examines the rising prominence of strategic nuclear deterrence in Sino-US relations. China is the only major nuclear power that has been actively expanding its offensive capabilities. Its nuclear modernization has inevitably caused concerns in the United States. The article suggests that China's nuclear programme is driven significantly by US missile defence, which has fundamentally altered the incentive structures for Chinese nuclear deterrence. The article also assesses the latest Chinese perception of US strategic adjustment under the Obama administration and its potential impact on arms control. It reveals that recent measures by the United States to restrain its missile defense could be conducive for achieving a strategic nuclear understanding between the two countries. The article then suggests a number of concrete actions for China and the United States to realize such an understanding.

DOI

10.1111/j.1468-2346.2011.00990.x

Print ISSN

00205850

E-ISSN

14682346

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2011 The Author(s). International Affairs, The Royal Institute of International Affairs

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Zhang, B. (2011). US missile defence and China's nuclear posture: Changing dynamics of an offence–defence arms race. International Affairs, 87(3), 555-569. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2346.2011.00990.x

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