Nuclear Forces and the Geopolitical Objectives of the People's Republic of China

The geopolitical aspirations of the People's Republic of China place this state at odds with American interests in the Pacific. Nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles are expected to be important instruments for the enhancement of Chinese power, especially in relation to the United States. Geopolitical objectives mesh with Chinese political and strategic culture to encourage China's quest for hegemony in the region. Chinese nuclear doctrine is designed to support expansion of China's influence. Improvements in China's nuclear weapons arsenal demonstrate how China is developing the capacity to meet the needs of its geopolitical objects and its military doctrine. Case studies involving India, Taiwan, the South China Sea, Japan and the United States examine the relationship of nuclear and overall military power to China's geopolitical objectives.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Defense and Strategic Studies

Year

2000

Author dc:creator

• Lauterbach, Toby

Contributors dc:contributor

• William Van Cleave

• Defense and Security Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © Toby Lauterbach

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/560

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1561