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Description

China’s ongoing modernization program is transforming the country’s nuclear arsenal from one consisting of a few liquid-fueled, silo-based missiles carrying single warheads to a larger force of more advanced mobile solid-fueled missiles, some of which are capable of carrying multiple warheads. Perhaps most significant for its nuclear policies, China is also on the verge of fielding its first credible sea-based nuclear deterrent, having already completed four nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and with a fifth vessel currently under construction.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

Asia/Indo-Pacific

Topic(s)

Chinese Military, Nuclear Deterrence and Escalation, Strategic Competition

Publication Date

11-2016

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

China SSBN command and control, People's Liberation Army (PLA) nuclear forces, SSBN (nuclear ballistic missile submarines), Chinese sea-based nuclear deterrent, PLA Navy nuclear operations, PLA Rocket Force nuclear role, Strategic deterrence and stability, Nuclear command structure options, Central Military Commission (CMC)

China’s Future SSBN Command and Control Structure

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