China expressed serious concern over the United States’ alleged approval of a secret plan to shift its nuclear strategy focus from Russia to deal with China’s nuclear weapons buildup. According to a report by The New York Times, President Joe Biden approved a new “nuclear employment guidance” in March to address China’s expanding nuclear arsenal.
The document calls for U.S. forces to prepare for potential coordinated nuclear challenges from China, Russia, and North Korea. This move comes as China’s military is estimated to have over 500 operational warheads, with projections of exceeding 1,000 warheads by 2030.
While U.S. officials maintain that the nuclear strategy is not solely aimed at China, concerns over China’s rapid nuclear expansion have led to adjustments in U.S. nuclear posture. Efforts to engage in nuclear dialogue with China have faced setbacks, with China halting talks on arms control last month due to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
The evolving dynamics of global nuclear capabilities and strategic partnerships raise the stakes for nuclear deterrence and arms control in the current geopolitical landscape.