China and America Are Courting Nuclear Catastrophe
China has significantly expanded its nuclear arsenal in recent years, prompting concern from the United States and contributing to a potential shift from a bipolar to a tripolar nuclear world. Despite U.S. efforts to engage China in arms control talks, Beijing has refused negotiations, believing a stronger deterrent ensures strategic parity and stability. This mutual distrust and lack of transparency are fueling a security spiral, with both nations enhancing their nuclear capabilities and undermining prospects for global arms control.
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China and America Are Courting Nuclear CatastropheThe Consequences of Beijing’s Weapons Buildup Tong Zhao May 1, 2026 Displaying nuclear missiles during a military parade in Beijing, September 2025 Tingshu Wang / Reuters TONG ZHAO is a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. More by Tong Zhao Share & Download Print Subscribe to unlock this feature or Sign in. Save Sign in and save to read later Close Share China and America Are Courting Nuclear Catastrophe The Consequences of Beijing’s Weapons Buildup Tong Zhao Share in email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Copy Link Copied Article link:…
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