by Will M Prise

Created on: July 24, 2008

CHINA THE DEFENSIVE

China's nuclear stance has always been a defensive one. The Chinese tests during 2007 should be viewed for what they are, simply an up-dating of Chinese nuclear weaponry. The size and capability of Chinese nuclear power is far behind that of the rest of the world. China has never been able to keep pace with heavy-weight nuclear powers like the United States and Russia. China has openly stated that its nuclear policy is to create a limited amount of deterrence to any other nuclear power. Currently, that deterrence is more of a psychological one, rather than a real one, because China's stock and technology of nuclear weapons are not a potent deterrence. China has also openly claimed a "no strike first" policy in international affairs: the only nation that has actually. A nation that goes out of its way to claim a passive stance is inherently not acting aggressively. The tests of 2007 and the continual investment in nuclear weapons should be viewed as a revival of its aging nuclear systems. To remain as a deterrent, its nuclear systems must be current and capable.

TRAILING IN POWER AND FEARFUL

Since the fifties, China has struggled to catch up the United States in nuclear power. China's desire for nuclear power has never appeared to be aggressive, rather China has sought nuclear weaponry as a form of defense, mostly because of statements made by US leadership, which China took seriously. In July of 1950, President Truman stated that whatever force necessary would be used against China to prevent its intervention. Truman even claimed that use of nuclear power was "under consideration." Truman's words were used to deter Chinese assistance of the Communist cause in Korea. China felt that it was being encircled by the United States and that if the United States had taken all of Korea, China inevitably would be the next victim' of the United States (because in 1949, China became Communistic). Fearing the use of nuclear weapons upon them, China elected in 1954 to start a rapid scientific push toward obtaining nuclear weapons almost entirely for deterrence. Boldly, in 1954, General Lemay, commander of United States Strategic Air Command, said that rather than responding to the moves in Asia, the United States should raise the stakes and amazingly named "China" as a place that he would strategically bomb to raise United States power and position in Asia. Fear initially inspired China's build up. Much of international politics directly after World War II involved big threats and calling each nation's bluff. China's desire to help Korea and keep the United States at arms length was met with Truman's words that nuclear power upon China was under consideration. Not only did Truman speak so, he acted so: he ordered ten B29s with nuclear capability into the pacific, within striking distance of China. Fear, not aggression, inspired China's nuclear build up. Until 1960 China was working closely with USSR scientists to advance nuclear technology. After 1960, China was forced to go alone.

STRUGGLING FOR TECHNOLOGY

Working independently and relying partly on international espionage , China has struggled to keep pace. The power, range, capability, and number of its nuclear weapons are not enough to go head-to-head against another nuclear power, especially not the United States. China is far from ever having a dominant nuclear position, far from even having a position equivalent to other nuclear superpowers.

A MINOR SHOW OF MINOR STRENGTH

China's show of power in 2007 should be viewed for what it really was: merely a minor show of symbolic power to ensure that at least some psychological deterrence remains in the minds of its potential opponents.

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