Mr. Hans Kristensen, expert on China's nuclear capabilities, discusses China's expanding nuclear stockpile and its modernization campaign. He addresses the uncertainties surrounding China's nuclear program, its potential escalation scenarios, and the credibility of its 'no first use' policy. He also explores China's interest in tactical nuclear weapons and compares Chinese, Russian, and US planners' objectives. The episode highlights the recent arms control talks between the US and China and the importance of monitoring China's nuclear development.

Hans Kristensen, Director of the Nuclear Information Project, discusses the chain of command for nuclear strike authorization, alternatives to the current system, fictional scenarios of nuclear launches, and the 'letters of last resort' for UK nuclear submarines. They also touch on deterrence and human psychology in relation to nuclear weapons.

Hans Kristensen reveals China's new ICBM silos and their impact on China's nuclear power. Robert Manning discusses challenges of spying on North Korea, including recruitment efforts and relationships with intelligence services of China, Russia, and North Korea. The chapter also explores the feasibility of North Korea giving up nuclear weapons and the possibility of a first strike.