Publication

This commentary examines China's no-first-use (NFU) nuclear doctrine. Official statements continue to indicate China's support for NFU and the author does not expect this policy will change in the near future. However, the strategic situation is shifting as the US develops its ballistic missile defenses and conventional strike capabilities. These factors are generating debate over the long-term viability of China's NFU doctrine. The author concludes by suggests that a multilateral framework governing the use of nuclear weapons may alleviate some of China's concerns.