The Nuclear Awakening of China

Abstract

The People’s Republic of China, one of the biggest military presences in the world, has been rapidly expanding its once modest nuclear arsenal. This article will explore these developments and attempt to explain why China may be expanding its arsenal by looking at motivations arising from international conflicts. The article discusses the history of China’s nuclear weapons program, the current efforts to modernize its warheads, and the possible factors that may have spurred this development. The findings in this article showcase how Chinese territorial disputes with its neighboring countries, as well as possible nuclear tensions with the United States, are likely motivating China to improve its nuclear weapons program. Additionally, there is evidence that they are broadening their nuclear capabilities to become a leading nuclear power like the United States and Russia.