BBC: China accuses US of 'Cold War mentality' over nuclear policy
China has urged the US to drop its "Cold War mentality" after Washington said it planned to diversify its nuclear armoury with smaller bombs.
"The country that owns the world's largest nuclear arsenal, should take the initiative to follow the trend instead of going against it," China's defence ministry said on Sunday.
The US military believes its nukes are seen as too big to be used and wants to develop low-yield bombs.
Russia has already condemned the plan.
Iran's foreign minister claimed it brought the world "closer to annihilation".
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More News On China Accusing The U.S. Of Having A 'Cold War Mentality' With Its New Nuclear Policy
China criticizes US for nuclear adversary claims -- ABC News/AP
China accuses US of 'Cold War mentality' with new nuclear policy -- CNBC
China condemns US over nuclear escalation, accusing Trump administration of 'Cold War mentality' -- The Independent
China calls on US to ditch its 'cold war mentality' and reduce nuclear arsenal -- South China Morning Post
China rejects Pentagon report for false speculation of its nuclear devt program -- Global Times
China shuns US nuclear report, asks to shun 'cold war mentality' -- The Asian Age
China to US: We Are Not a Nuclear Adversary -- Voice of America
Chinese MoD Calls US Assumptions About Country's Nuclear Development Absurd -- Sputnik International
Everyone who has a nuclear arsenal is upgrading theirs and has been for sometime. In contrast, the US has stood pat for decades in this area while others have grown stronger in this area. Furthermore others such as Russia and China have their arsenals trained on America.
ReplyDeleteIf America is to be a normal country, we would be expected to react. As such as others who have their nuclear arsenals trained on America are increasing the capabilities of these arsenals, America would be expected to follow suit. To add to the urgency, America has many far reaching defense committments (to many in my considered opinion) and we've neglected our nuclear deterrent for a very long time. This neans we will need to upgrade and expand very quickly.
The Chinese response is incorrect in multiple areas. It states that the US arsenal is the world's largest. Every report I've seen on this indicates Russia has the largest nuclear arsenal. The Chinese and the Russians appear to have a problem with America's intention to develop "low yield" nuclear weapons. By this I assume they mean tactical nuclear weapons. Russia has been doing this for a long time and many of these weapons are trained on America's "allies." As such, it would be only natural for America to react and follow suit.
The Chinese response seems to indicate America has a "special disarmament responsibility." America is by no means soecial in this regard. While we cannot "know" the outcome of a military conflict in advance, I think the opposite case could be made. As the most militarily powerful countries in the world, it is Russia and China who have "special responsibilities."
I will reiterate Russia and China may not be the world's powerful countries. I do think a compelling case could be nade for this. In any event, I see no reason why America should commit suicide by "disarmament" or failing to properly upgrade and expand its nuclear deterrent.
An upgrade and expansion of the nuclear arsenal is long overdue and would be prudent even if we weren't in active conflict with Russia, China, and a host of other countries. Based upon the main threats to America such a policy is a necessity. To add to the urgency, many of our adversaries have a network of alliances that they can rely on that we lack.