China’s deployment of nuclear forces are diversifying in an effort to achieve effective deterrence against its adversaries. Whereas the robustness of its nuclear posture might mean that it is moving away from its limited arsenal, however, its strategies and patterns of deployment indicate the PLA Rocket Forces are focused on improving its response and coordination for a seamless and rapid counter-strike, updating its strategy of deployment of missile systems to reduce its vulnerabilities in the post-missile defence nuclear environment and integrate its nuclear responses to portray an effective deterrence.
Dr M. S. Prathibha is an Associate Fellow at the East Asia Centre in MP-IDSA. She researches on Nuclear policy and strategy of China, China’s Elite Politics, military and strategic force modernisation, and East Asian security dynamics. She won the China Government Scholarship to read Political Theory and Mandarin at School of Marxism, Beijing Normal University. She is a Member of the Editorial Board of Strategic Analysis (Routledge). She received her doctorate for China’s Nuclear Policy and Strategic Conduct, 1992-2008 at Chinese Studies Division, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. She has Master’s in International Studies and Bachelor’s in Mathematics.
Posted on December 01, 2023