CGSR | China’s Evolving Nuclear Posture

In this Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) talk from Aug. 3, 2021, Chris Twomey, associate professor in the Department of National
Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School, discusses China's nuclear posture and what factors are causing it to shift.

Description:

This presentation will discuss how and why China is shifting its nuclear posture. It will begin by highlighting the key elements of China’s strategic posture today both in terms of capabilities and “doctrine” to provide a foundation for explaining the drivers behind that. The most important changes in capabilities center on quantitative increases and dual capable platforms. Strategic thought also appears to be changing in four areas: conventional strikes on strategic assets, the potential to develop a launch on warning capability, various elements of transwar deterrence, and a broad contribution of strategic systems to China’s great power status and prestige. External factors—primarily developments in the United States—and shifting dynamics within China are likely to combine to pressure for continued posture changes.

Bio:
Dr. Chris Twomey focuses on Chinese foreign policy and East Asian security. He works with the Departments of Defense and State on a range of strategic and Asian security issues. He authored The Military Lens: Doctrinal Differences and Deterrence Failure in Sino-American Relations (Cornell University Press, 2010), and his work has appeared in journals such as Security Studies, Journal of Contemporary China, The Washington Quarterly, and Asian Survey. Dr. Twomey received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of California San Diego and his Ph.D. in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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