China’s Nuclear Prowess: A Formidable Nuclear Military Power and a Nuclear Energy Power House

Abstract

Nuclear technology has become an integral component of China’s economic and political future, accounting for its energy needs, technological exports and most notably its military protection as a sovereign State. This chapter explores China’s current nuclear status in relation to its economic, political and military ambitions. In particular, it assesses China’s mounting production of nuclear power for civilian purposes, aimed at both meeting growing commercial and manufacturing demands due to its rapid economic development at home, as well as addressing increased consumer needs for personal consumption as the country becomes wealthier with greater energy requirements. Indeed, China is both a user and increasingly a supplier of nuclear technology which spans far wider than simply meeting domestic consumption. It has become an important exporter of nuclear technology integrated into the nuclear supply chain globally. Moreover, China is a nuclear-weapon State pursuant to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty 1968, raising concerns regarding its overall aspirations as a nuclear-armed State potentially becoming more dominant, regionally and globally. In essence, this chapter explores China’s rise as a formidable nuclear State from both a civilian and military perspective. Discussion focuses on its current position, making reference to its international legal obligations and its overall ambitions in light of its emerging status as an economic and military superpower within a modern global context.

Jonathan L. Black-Branch, Chair of the ILA Committee on Nuclear Weapons, Non-Proliferation and Contemporary International Law and President and CEO of ISLAND The Foundation for International Society of Law and Nuclear Disarmament .