Is China nuclear weapons arsenal a force for stability or instability in Asia? Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Introduction

Different countries have different reasons for possessing dangerous ulcer weapons. Many of the countries in possession of the weapons cite defense as their foremost reason. It proves difficult to ascertain the exact number of the weapons a country possesses due to the high level of secrecy involved. For instance, as revealed by the federation of American scientists, China records approximately 180 full of zip nuclear weaponry but owning 240 of them in summation as recorded in the 2009 statistics.

Despite of these, China is the “second smallest country that possesses such weapons as compared to other five major states possessing these nuclear weapons” (Kristensen, Robert, & Matthew, 2006, p.53). However, what triggers the minds of many is whether the Chinese nuclear weapon arsenal is stability or an instability force in Asia. As the paper unfolds, China’s nuclear weapon arsenal stands out as a force for stability in Asia.

Discussion

China has signed various treaties for its safety use of its nuclear weapons. It is one of the countries, which have signed the nuclear nonproliferation treaty. The treaty, ratified by China in 1992, illustrates the commitment of China in using its nuclear for the purposes of stability of its continent as opposed to causing instability (Kristensen, Robert, & Matthew, 2006, p.45). Therefore, the claim alone is a package enough to declare the Chinese nuclear weapon arsenal a stability force in Asia.

Furthermore, among the five states, China gave an assurance of security to those countries without possession of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the Chinese policy “no first use rule” asserts their concerns on stability. This policy means that the use of their nuclear weapons will come as the last resort if the circumstances require that they use them.

As Michael (2011, Para. 4) observes, “The white paper of 2005 released by the foreign ministry states that the government would not use its weapons under any circumstances and at any time as its first option” during any time of war. It further postulates that China will under no circumstances use nuclear weapons on a non-nuclear weapon state.

Furthermore, China has, of recent had good relations with other countries, the US being among them. For instance, in the status and evolution paper on the china nuclear arsenal, union of concerned scientists assured the world that China had no intention of enhancing any parity with the Us (Michael, 2011, Para.5).

Further, the paper raised the concern of its arsenal being able to protect the people of China in order for it to survive any attack and have the ability to retaliate. This therefore, implies that China has no ill intention of its nuclear weapon causing any form of mayhem but rather fosters stability of its country as well as the safety of its people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some countries possesses nuclear firearms based on some instability force evident in their corresponding continents, China assumes the reverse as its nuclear weapon arsenal is no more than a force of stability in Asia. It proves therefore important to note that China is not the only country in possession of such weapons of mass destruction.

Although issues have been raised concerning the ill motives of China’s possession of the firearms and secret manufacturing of these weapons, it remains not clear to tell what decision the country can come up with tomorrow. The various treaties signed on usage of the weapons remains the only reference point, but overall, the Chinese nuclear weapons exist purposely to foster stability of the country and only used as the last resort.

Reference List

Michael, C. (2011). Debate over China’s nuclear policy Analysis: Questions remain on China’s nuclear stance. Retrieve June 2, 2011 from
www. nuclear-news.net/2011/05/23/debate-over-chinas-nuclear-policy/

Kristensen, M., Robert, S., and Matthew, G. (2006). Chinese Nuclear Forces and U.S. Nuclear War Planning. Oxford: Oxford UP.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2018, October 10). Is China nuclear weapons arsenal a force for stability or instability in Asia? https://ivypanda.com/essays/is-china-nuclear-weapons-arsenal-a-force-for-stability-or-instability-in-asia/

Work Cited

"Is China nuclear weapons arsenal a force for stability or instability in Asia?" IvyPanda, 10 Oct. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/is-china-nuclear-weapons-arsenal-a-force-for-stability-or-instability-in-asia/.

References

IvyPanda. (2018) 'Is China nuclear weapons arsenal a force for stability or instability in Asia'. 10 October.

References

IvyPanda. 2018. "Is China nuclear weapons arsenal a force for stability or instability in Asia?" October 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/is-china-nuclear-weapons-arsenal-a-force-for-stability-or-instability-in-asia/.

1. IvyPanda. "Is China nuclear weapons arsenal a force for stability or instability in Asia?" October 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/is-china-nuclear-weapons-arsenal-a-force-for-stability-or-instability-in-asia/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Is China nuclear weapons arsenal a force for stability or instability in Asia?" October 10, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/is-china-nuclear-weapons-arsenal-a-force-for-stability-or-instability-in-asia/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
1 / 1