On the Structure and Evolution of China’s Nuclear Strategy

　　Abstract: China’s nuclear strategy is based on two premises: China’s national interests and humanitarianism. While China has maintained a great deal of continuity in its nuclear strategy, at the same time it has made adjustments based on changes both domestically and internationally. As such, the strategy has gradually evolved from a focus on countering nuclear blackmail to a minimum strategic deterrence strategy. Similar to the nuclear strategies of other states with nuclear weapons, China’s nuclear strategy is comprised of five specific policies: an official statement policy, a development policy, a positioning policy, a usage policy and a disarmament policy. At the same time though, taking into account the Chinese context and China’s strategic culture, China’s nuclear strategy has its own unique characteristics. 

　　Author: Xia Liping is Professor and Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations at Tongji University