Escalating Tensions: U.S.-China Conflict Over Taiwan Risks Nuclear Implications
The IISS says both sides could launch sweeping operations, while China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and weak guard rails raise escalation risks.
- On May 28, the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies warned that conflict between the US and China over Taiwan risks nuclear escalation, with both militaries likely targeting rival command and communications hubs.
- The assessment describes a new global nuclear arms race "with the Asia-Pacific at its core," as regional states expand arsenals while non-nuclear nations pursue long-range conventional-strike capabilities, challenging strategic stability.
- Little public evidence suggests militaries understand necessary "guard rails" to prevent targeting command nodes, while the Federation of American Scientists estimates the US fields 3,700 active warheads, Russia 4,400, and China 620.
- Concerns persist in Taipei regarding US commitment to Taiwan following a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump in Beijing earlier this month, despite Beijing's stated preference for "peaceful reunification."
- The Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore runs May 29 to 31, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth scheduled to speak, though China has yet to confirm if Defense Minister Dong Jun will attend the conference.
22 Articles
22 Articles
China is increasing and improving its nuclear capabilities at an ultra-fast pace. A potential conflict between the US and China over Taiwan could trigger the use of nuclear weapons. The world is now on the verge of a new arms race. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Reuters. Read also: Taiwan recorded China's second “combat” patrolling near the island in a week According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)…
A conflict between the US and China over Taiwan could lead to a nuclear escalation, supporting an important defence research centre. The army of each country is likely to carry out extensive operations against the command centres and communications of the opposing party.
Asharq AL-awsat
US-China Conflict Over Taiwan Risks a Nuclear Escalation, Study Finds
A conflict between the US and China over Taiwan would risk a nuclear escalation with both militaries likely to stage sweeping operations targeting rival command and communications hubs, a leading defense research center said on Thursday. In a strategic assessment ahead of Asia's biggest annual defense meeting in Singapore this weekend, the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said the world was on the cusp of a new n…
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