A comprehensive technical history of China’s nuclear warhead development and testing, as well as a new framework for understanding China’s efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal.
The Untold Story of China’s Nuclear Weapon Development and Testing offers the most comprehensive account of China’s nuclear weapons development from 1955 to 1996. Hui Zhang examines the purpose and technical specifics of each nuclear test and provides new details about China’s pursuit of warhead miniaturization. Based on a number of new Chinese-language sources that have not previously been analyzed, this book reveals that China has the ability to produce smaller, lighter warheads than some have suggested, as well as more options for missiles that could carry a larger number of warheads.
The book also provides a new framework for understanding China’s efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal and offers clues about the future of China’s nuclear program. As the international community watches China’s rapid nuclear expansion with concern—and, in particular, as the United States considers whether it will be confronting two peer nuclear-armed adversaries (Russia and China) in the future—this book is a significant contribution to the policy debate over a potential new three-way nuclear arms race.
ENDORSEMENTS
“Noted for his meticulous analyses of relevant Chinese and western publications, Hui Zhang has provided us with the most comprehensive and authoritative history of China’s nuclear weapons program.” —Thomas B. Cochran, PhD, retired director of the Nuclear Program, Natural Resources Defense Council
“Hui Zhang has written a deep, thought-provoking, and timely overview of China’s nuclear weapons program that should be required reading for anyone involved in discussing Chinese nuclear forces and policy.” —Hans M. Kristensen, Director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists; Associate Senior Fellow to SIPRI
A comprehensive technical history of China’s nuclear warhead development and testing, as well as a new framework for understanding China’s efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal.
The Untold Story of China’s Nuclear Weapon Development and Testing offers the most comprehensive account of China’s nuclear weapons development from 1955 to 1996. Hui Zhang examines the purpose and technical specifics of each nuclear test and provides new details about China’s pursuit of warhead miniaturization. Based on a number of new Chinese-language sources that have not previously been analyzed, this book reveals that China has the ability to produce smaller, lighter warheads than some have suggested, as well as more options for missiles that could carry a larger number of warheads.
The book also provides a new framework for understanding China’s efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal and offers clues about the future of China’s nuclear program. As the international community watches China’s rapid nuclear expansion with concern—and, in particular, as the United States considers whether it will be confronting two peer nuclear-armed adversaries (Russia and China) in the future—this book is a significant contribution to the policy debate over a potential new three-way nuclear arms race.
Praise
ENDORSEMENTS
“Noted for his meticulous analyses of relevant Chinese and western publications, Hui Zhang has provided us with the most comprehensive and authoritative history of China’s nuclear weapons program.” —Thomas B. Cochran, PhD, retired director of the Nuclear Program, Natural Resources Defense Council
“Hui Zhang has written a deep, thought-provoking, and timely overview of China’s nuclear weapons program that should be required reading for anyone involved in discussing Chinese nuclear forces and policy.” —Hans M. Kristensen, Director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists; Associate Senior Fellow to SIPRI
