Tong Zhao

Two leading experts, Dr. Tong Zhao and Dr. Fiona Cunningham, debate whether China's expanding nuclear arsenal represents a shift in China's nuclear strategy. They discuss China's evolving view on nuclear weapons, its pursuit of escalation management capability, and the implications of its accelerated nuclear expansion. The debate also covers China's nuclear deterrent system, advanced warhead technology, and the role of nuclear weapons in a Taiwan contingency. Lastly, they explore the connection between China's non-nuclear strategic capabilities and its nuclear strategy.

Tong Zhao, a fellow at the Carnegie Center in Beijing with expertise in China's nuclear program, sheds light on the intricacies of China's growing nuclear arsenal and its geopolitical implications. He discusses China's perception of NATO as an aggressor and critiques the technical illiteracy of policy experts. The podcast also examines China’s unique approach to nuclear deterrence and its conception of Russia as a rational actor in the context of the Ukraine conflict. Ultimately, Zhao emphasizes the urgent need for dialogue to prevent an arms race.

Tong Zhao, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, dives into the shifting landscape of China's nuclear policy. He explores how Xi Jinping’s leadership is reshaping nuclear strategy, blending traditional deterrence with newfound warfighting capabilities. The discussion reveals how U.S. military strategies influence China's nuclear perceptions, particularly regarding low-yield weapons. Zhao also addresses the interplay between U.S. nuclear policies and China's ambitions, emphasizing the importance of nuanced understanding in this evolving dynamic.