China’s Expanding Nuclear Capabilities: A Conversation with David Logan and Phil Saunders

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by David Logan and Phil Saunders, who’ve recently co-authored a new report titled Discerning the Drivers of China’s Nuclear Force Development: Models, Indicators, and Data. They lay out the six models developed in the report and explain which models are the most compelling for explaining China’s behavior. Dr. Logan dives into the expansion in size, structure, and capabilities of China’s nuclear stockpile in the last 10 years but highlights the fact that there has been no official announcement on China’s reasoning for this build-up. In the context of this expansion, Dr. Saunders points out that China is showing signs that its nuclear strategy could be shifting, and he notes that the prospects of strategic arms control have become more complicated.

China’s Power: Up for Debate 2022: Debate 2

This special episode of the ChinaPower Podcast is the second of two featuring the audio from the China Power Project’s seventh annual conference. This debate took place on November 17, 2022 and featured two experts debating the following proposition: “Beijing views a strong China-Russia relationship as a net strategic asset.”

Prospects for China’s Inclusion in Strategic Nuclear Talks: A Conversation with David Santoro

In this episode, Dr. David Santoro joins us to discuss the prospects for China joining a strategic nuclear dialogue, and what such a dialogue might achieve. Dr. Santoro maintains that China may be amenable to entering into bilateral talks with the US on strategic stability in the near term that could pave the way for trilateral nuclear talks with the US and Russia in the long run. He explains the challenges policymakers face in pulling China into an arms control agreement that aims at capping the number of Chinese nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Dr. Santoro also offers recommendations for how the US, China, and Russia can realistically make progress to narrow their differences on arms control going forward.

China’s Evolving Role in the United Nations: A Conversation with Courtney Fung

In this episode, Dr. Courtney Fung joins us to discuss China’s role and actions as a United Nations Security Council permanent member, including its “status dilemma” in the UN, voting and veto records, and evolving position on the Responsibility to Protect. Dr. Fung addresses China’s significant interest in UN Peacekeeping Operations and its desire to play a larger role in global governance. She also offers insights on how China may become a more active participant in the UN, as well as whether China will support UN reform.

China and Russia’s Converging Interests: A Conversation with Alexander Gabuev

In this episode, Mr. Alexander Gabuev joins us to discuss recent developments in China’s relations with Russia and the future trajectory of Sino-Russian ties. He analyzes the ways in which Beijing and Moscow have increased strategic and diplomatic cooperation to further their respective national and geopolitical objectives. Mr. Gabuev also addresses areas of disagreement in the relationship and challenges faced by both parties as they continue to deepen bilateral ties in the face of mounting security and economic pressures.