Biden Approves Classified US Nuclear Strategy, According to NYT
The US President has updated the nuclear weapons strategy due to the expansion of Beijing's arsenal. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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Washington has reportedly revised its nuclear weapons strategy, emphasizing China as a significant consideration, according to US President Joe Biden's recent approval of a new, top-secret nuclear policy. The New York Times disclosed this information on Tuesday, attributing it to unnamed sources in the Pentagon and the National Security Council.
The strategy, dubbed "Nuclear Employment Guidance," was put in place in March and represents the first time the US has specifically targeted advances in China’s nuclear capabilities in its nuclear doctrine. The document, which is revised approximately every four years, is so sensitive that no digital copies exist.
Vipin Narang, the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, highlighted at a press briefing earlier this month that the updated guidance by Biden was crucial to address threats posed by "multiple nuclear-armed adversaries." He pointed out that the growth of China's nuclear arsenal was unexpected in previous decades, saying, "recently issued updated nuclear weapons employment guidance to account for multiple nuclear-armed adversaries.” China’s growing nuclear arsenal was something the US “neither anticipated nor accounted for” during nuclear planning decades ago, he added.
When probed about the report by the NYT, White House spokesman Sean Savett clarified, asserting that “the guidance issued earlier this year is not a response to any single entity, country, nor threat."
As per a Pentagon forecast in 2023, China is expected to double its arsenal of operational nuclear warheads to beyond 1,000 by 2030, with many maintained at a higher readiness level. In contrast, the current US arsenal stands at 5,550 warheads, while Russia possesses 6,255 warheads, as per data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The update in US nuclear strategy comes amid escalating tensions with NATO allies against the backdrop of disputes involving China and Russia, particularly over Ukraine and Taiwan, and heightened concerns over North Korea’s increased missile testing activities.
The geopolitical friction has led to reciprocal accusations between the US and the nations of China and Russia, each charging the other with fostering global conflicts and imposing dominion. Furthermore, during his visit to China in May, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the robust "strategic partnership" between Russia and China, clarifying that "it is not directed against anyone,” citing Beijing and Moscow's joint stance against allegations of antagonism.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
The strategy, dubbed "Nuclear Employment Guidance," was put in place in March and represents the first time the US has specifically targeted advances in China’s nuclear capabilities in its nuclear doctrine. The document, which is revised approximately every four years, is so sensitive that no digital copies exist.
Vipin Narang, the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, highlighted at a press briefing earlier this month that the updated guidance by Biden was crucial to address threats posed by "multiple nuclear-armed adversaries." He pointed out that the growth of China's nuclear arsenal was unexpected in previous decades, saying, "recently issued updated nuclear weapons employment guidance to account for multiple nuclear-armed adversaries.” China’s growing nuclear arsenal was something the US “neither anticipated nor accounted for” during nuclear planning decades ago, he added.
When probed about the report by the NYT, White House spokesman Sean Savett clarified, asserting that “the guidance issued earlier this year is not a response to any single entity, country, nor threat."
As per a Pentagon forecast in 2023, China is expected to double its arsenal of operational nuclear warheads to beyond 1,000 by 2030, with many maintained at a higher readiness level. In contrast, the current US arsenal stands at 5,550 warheads, while Russia possesses 6,255 warheads, as per data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The update in US nuclear strategy comes amid escalating tensions with NATO allies against the backdrop of disputes involving China and Russia, particularly over Ukraine and Taiwan, and heightened concerns over North Korea’s increased missile testing activities.
The geopolitical friction has led to reciprocal accusations between the US and the nations of China and Russia, each charging the other with fostering global conflicts and imposing dominion. Furthermore, during his visit to China in May, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the robust "strategic partnership" between Russia and China, clarifying that "it is not directed against anyone,” citing Beijing and Moscow's joint stance against allegations of antagonism.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
