No. 140: China's Nuclear Arms Build-Up: Background and Consequences

Author(s): Oliver Thränert
Editor(s): Daniel Trachsler
Series: CSS Analyses in Security Policy
Issue: 140
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich
Publication Year: 2013

China is gradually, but continuously building up its nuclear capabilities with the goal of continuing to maintain a credible nuclear second-strike capability vis-à-vis the US. At the same time, China regards its nuclear weapons as political currency. It is India, Chinas neighbour and also a nuclear power, that feels particularly threatened by Beijings nuclear build-up. The outcome could be a nuclear destabilisation of the Asia-Pacific region.

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Defense Expenditures, 2000-2012