The Political Drivers of China's Nuclear Policy

China's nuclear modernization is influenced more by political priorities than purely military technical concerns. While there is recognition of threats from U.S. missile defense systems, the contemporary scale and timing of China's nuclear buildup stem from high-level political decisions emphasizing nuclear weapons as tools of political posture rather than just military deterrents. Xi Jinping's leadership has intensified this approach, as he perceives a strategic transition in U.S.-China relations necessitating a stronger nuclear stance. Historically, Chinese leaders have approached nuclear capabilities from a political perspective, viewing them as essential in establishing China's status and countering perceived U.S. hegemonic threats.