1. China and Nuclear Weapons Destin Fairman

2. Test History • 1953: Research begins on nuclear capabitities • research spark delivered by Soviets • capabilities eventually came from USSR • first weapon provided in exchange for Chinese help in mines • Later technology also given to Chinese from USSR • 1956: China announces desire to produce weapons • 1968: Production of nuclear bombs begins • 1974: Production of thermonuclear devices begins

3. Lop Nor Test Site

4. Test history • Testing began after USSR gave China a weaponTesting continued after withdrawal of Soviet support to spite the nuclear monopoly of the US and USSR • Used weapons to improve international prestige • Also viewed as a way to provide security

5. Test History • Test History Chinese have tested mainly small weapons • Copied several designs from other major powers • Created warheads for use in submarines • Created small weapons transportable by Jeeps or tanks

6. Test History • First test occurred at Lop Norn6 tests done at Lop Nor nUsed a U-235 weapon nDetonated on top of a tower • Eventually used airdrop, atmospheric, underground, shaft and tower testing methods • Also tested hydrogen and lithium-6 weapons

7. Test History • Recent testing • Last test was underground in 1996 • No test details have been released since • Have only tested 5% as many weapons as US and USSR/Russia • Had slowed in comparison to US and USSR/Russian tests

8. Test History • Currently believed to have weapons technology comparable to all other major nuclear powers • May have weapons with yields on the order of tens to hundreds of kilotons • Possibly developing a neutron bomb • US believes the Chinese obtained their weapon designs chiefly through espionage

9. China and the CTBT • Beginning to show more support • Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing has offered support to UN • Have not ratified CTBT • UN not convinced of support • China will not suspend testing until teaties are in affect • Tested 3 days after committing to disarmament at Non-Proliferation Review and Extension Conference • Insists on continuing “peaceful nuclear explosions”

10. China and the CTBT • China is an important, but unpredictable, player in the nuclear world • Feared as possible missile and nuclear material merchant • May support international non-proliferation effortsMay ratify CTBT, but just as likely to not ratify

11. China and the CTBT • Why would you want to continue testing? • Update aging nuclear program • Ensure survival of nuclear deterrent • Why does China not need to continue testing? • Good relations with neighbors (Russia, Vietnam, India) • Believed to need only minimal deterrent