Download full text
(426.7Kb)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-60444-4
Exports for your reference manager
Maritime nuclear deterrence: submarine-launched ballistic missiles in the South China Sea
[comment]
Corporate Editor
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik -SWP- Deutsches Institut für Internationale Politik und Sicherheit
Abstract China has a modest nuclear deterrent in terms of cost and scale, compared to the United States and Russia. Beijing does not strive for the ability to conduct nuclear wars, but rather seeks to deter aggression at a low level with a secure second strike capability. In contrast to its rapid conventiona... view more
China has a modest nuclear deterrent in terms of cost and scale, compared to the United States and Russia. Beijing does not strive for the ability to conduct nuclear wars, but rather seeks to deter aggression at a low level with a secure second strike capability. In contrast to its rapid conventional armament, China has in the past modernized its nuclear weapons systems only slowly and in small numbers. It apparently does not strive for equality with the nuclear weapons capability of the US or Russia and wants to avoid a symmetrical arms race. Recently, however, the Chinese leadership has been pursuing an increasingly ambitious policy of asymmetric nuclear armament. Land-based, long-range ballistic missiles are being deployed in a mobile mode and equipped with manoeuvrable multiple warheads; hypersonic weapon systems are being developed, and submarines are now also being equipped with strategic nuclear weapons. New missiles can reach the US, even if launched from the South China Sea. Deploying nuclear weapons on submarines requires a great deal of effort, poses complex challenges and involves high costs. Why did China choose this solution and may it represent a turning point in the development of its nuclear strategy? (author's abstract)... view less
Keywords
seas; deterrence; nuclear weapon; weapon; nuclear power; defense policy; armaments; security policy; China; Far East
Classification
Peace and Conflict Research, International Conflicts, Security Policy
Free Keywords
regionale strategische Konzeption; Südchinesisches Meer; Abschreckungsstrategie; nukleare Abschreckung; ballistischer Flugkörper; ballistische U-Boot-Rakete; seegestützte nukleare Waffe; seegestützter Flugkörper; seegestützte Waffenplattformen/Basen; Treffgenauigkeit von Waffen; Einsatzkonzeption für Waffensysteme
Document language
English
Publication Year
2018
City
Berlin
Page/Pages
7 p.
Series
SWP Comment, 43/2018
ISSN
1861-1761
Status
Published Version; reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications