China's Changing Nuclear Posture

"This inside look at the history and politics of the People's Republic of China's changing nuclear posture is based on extensive analysis of Chinese and Western documents and interviews conducted in China in the fall of 1998. Examining China's reaction to the nuclear tests by India and Pakistan, the monograph details the internal discussions that provoked Vice Premier Qian Qichen's warning that Asia faces a nuclear arms race. Ming Zhang describes the debate among China's civilian policymakers and leading members of the People's Liberation Army as the government considers its nuclear force options."--Jacket.