The Challenge of a Rising, Nuclear-Armed China
Abstract
This article by Dr. Kathleen Ellis, in the INSS Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction, examines recent developments in China’s nuclear arsenal and assesses their implications for U.S. national security. It analyzes advancements in nuclear force structure, delivery systems, and operational posture, situating these changes within Beijing’s broader strategic objectives and increasingly assertive foreign policy. The article argues that China’s evolving nuclear capabilities reflect a shift away from a traditionally minimal deterrence posture toward a more complex and flexible force, raising concerns for strategic stability and deterrence dynamics. By evaluating these developments in the context of U.S. defense planning and global security trends, the article highlights the challenges China’s nuclear modernization poses for U.S. policymakers and the international security environment.
Document Type
Article
Topic(s)
Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Chinese Military, Military Strategy
Region(s)
China, East Asia
First Country/Region
China
Publication Date
12-10-2025
Recommended Citation
Ellis, Kathleen, "The Challenge of a Rising, Nuclear-Armed China" (2025). Articles and Op-Eds. 28.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/wmdcenter-articles/28