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China’s Expanding Nuclear Capabilities: A Conversation with David Logan and Phil Saunders

ChinaPower

CHAPTER

China's Ongoing Nuclear Modernization and Expansion

This chapter discusses the significant expansion and diversification of China's nuclear capabilities, including the increase in the size of China's nuclear warhead stockpile, the construction of new ICBM silos, the development of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, and the reassignment of a nuclear mission to the PLA Air Force. It explores China's efforts in developing supporting infrastructure and mentions hints of operational shifts in how China operates its nuclear forces. The chapter also analyzes different models that explain China's nuclear program, such as the Secure Second Strike Model, the Nuclear Shield Model, the Great Power Status Model, the Theater Deterrence Model, and the Bureaucratic Politics Model.

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