Received 05.06.2023. Revised 30.06.2023. Accepted 31.08.2023.
Acknowledgements. The article was prepared with the financial support of the MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia within the framework of project no. 2023-03-03.
Abstract. Based on Chinese documents and publications, the article examines the evolution of Chinese approaches to the topic of strategic deterrence from the late 2010s to the present. The main changes in Chinese documents on the relevant topic are considered, as well as the possible consequences of these changes for the quantitative and qualitative composition of the Chinese strategic deterrence forces. To date, the PRC is building a new strategic deterrence system that includes nuclear and non-nuclear components and is aimed not only at protecting the PRC from the threat of a nuclear attack, but also at preventing US interference in conflicts involving China in the Asia-Pacific region, including around Taiwan. The creation of a new system of strategic deterrence of the People’s Republic of China is likely to be completed by 2027. Its emergence will have global strategic consequences, leading to a significant increase in tension for the US armed forces.
Keywords: China, strategic deterrence, nuclear deterrence, non-nuclear strategic deterrence, nuclear weapons, highlevel strategic deterrence system
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