China and International Nuclear Weapons Proliferation Strategic Assistance Asian Security Studies Series

This book explores China?s approach to the nuclear programs in Pakistan, Iran, and North Korea.

A major power with access to nuclear technology, China has a significant impact on international nuclear weapons proliferation, but its attitude towards the spread of the bomb has been inconsistent. China?s mixed record raises a broader question: why, when and how do states support potential nuclear proliferators? This book develops a framework for analyzing such questions, by putting forth three factors that are likely to determine a state?s policy: (1) the risk of changes in the nuclear status or military doctrines of competitors; (2) the recipient?s status and strategic value; and (3) the extent of pressure from third parties to halt nuclear assistance. It then demonstrates how these factors help explain China?s policies towards Pakistan, Iran, and North Korea. Overall, the book finds that China has been a selective and strategic supporter of nuclear proliferators. While nuclear proliferation is a security challenge to China in some settings, in others, it wants to help its friends build the bomb.

This book will be of much interest to students of international security, nuclear proliferation, Chinese foreign policy and International Relations in general.

1. China and International Nuclear Weapons Proliferation 2. Why Support Nuclear Proliferators? 3. Friends with Nuclear Benefits: China and the Pakistani Bomb 4. Circumspect Supporter: China and the Iranian Nuclear Program 5. Give Them Shelter: China and North Korean Nuclear Brinkmanship 6. Extending the Argument: Minor and Non-Chinese Cases of Nuclear Assistance 7. Conclusion: A Rising China and the Future of Nuclear Proliferation

Henrik Stålhane Hiim holds a PhD in Political Science from Oslo University, Norway. His research interests include Chinese foreign policy and nuclear proliferation.