Biden signs classified nuclear plan in response to China
The New York Times reported that US President Joe Biden has approved a revised nuclear plan to defend against potential threats from Russia, China and North Korea.
On August 20, The White House confirmed that the Nuclear Employment Guidance received approval earlier this year.
READ: The world’s biggest nuclear fusion reactor activates
Article continues after this advertisementThe White House reiterates that it is “not a response to any single entity, country nor threat.” Nevertheless, the Philippines and its other allies should be wary of its potential impacts.
Nuclear plan for China’s growing nuclear arsenal
US President Joe Biden gave the green light for a top-secret strategic nuclear plan in March of this year that, for the first time, reshapes Washington's strategy to focus on China's expansion of its nuclear arsenal, The New York Times has reported.https://t.co/v5cyqDSTWs
— DW News (@dwnews) August 21, 2024
White House spokesperson Sean Savett stated, “The specific text of the guidance is classified.” However, the New York Times highlighted that the US is specifically worried about China’s growing nuclear capabilities.
Interesting Engineering says it may soon rival the size and diversity of Russian and US stockpiles within the next ten years.
Article continues after this advertisementDaryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, stated, “While U.S. intelligence estimates suggest China may increase the size of its nuclear arsenal from 500 to 1,000 warheads by 2030, Russia currently has about 4,000 nuclear warheads, and it remains the major driver behind U.S. nuclear strategy.”
The Arms Control Association says the US nuclear weapon strategy still aligns with the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review.
The NPR is paving the most “effective, durable and responsible path” to reduce the role of nuclear weapons. Yet, it admits, “Nuclear weapons provide a unique deterrent that no other element of US military power can replace.”
Interesting Engineering says Biden’s latest nuclear plan shows the United States’ growing willingness to expand its nuclear arsenal.
This development is also emerging while Russian President Vladimir Putin threatens to use nuclear armaments in Ukraine.
The New START treaty, the last major nuclear arms control agreement with Russia, will expire in early 2026. Without a new agreement, the US’ adversaries will have no restraints in using nuclear weapons.
Vipin Narang, an MIT nuclear strategist who served in the Pentagon, stated, “It is our responsibility to see the world as it is, not as we hoped or wished it would be.”
