2026/07/10 by Sumit Ganguly, Spenser A Warren · 1 voice
Environmental Science · Social Sciences · #International Environmental Law and Policies #International Relations and Foreign Policy #Nuclear Issues and Defense
paper · doi:10.1093/9780198969631.003.0010
openalex publication_date 2026/07/10 · openalex created_date 2026/07/11 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Abstract This chapter discusses the nuclear politics of China and Pakistan. Each country is modernising and expanding its nuclear arsenal, with China pursuing hypersonic weapons and Pakistan developing a sea-based nuclear capability, tactical nuclear weapons, and a modernised dual-capable standoff missile. These developments may improve the survivability of their respective nuclear arsenals, enhancing nuclear deterrence and strategic stability. The nuclear policies of both countries are linked to their relationships with nuclear-armed rivals, including India for both and the United States for China. The multiple security relationships between the United States and China, China and India, and India and Pakistan are important for current and future developments in Chinese and Pakistani nuclear politics. Chinese attempts to increase its security vis-à-vis the United States make India less secure, prompting an Indian response to increase its security vis-à-vis China that decreases Pakistani security.