In March, President Biden reportedly sanctioned a covert adjustment to the U.S. nuclear strategy in light of escalating threats from nations like Russia and China. However, the White House downplayed the significance of this move, describing it as a routine update.
Reacting to a New York Times report that suggested the shift was aimed at countering China’s growing nuclear capabilities, a White House representative clarified that the updated guidance was not targeted at any specific nation or threat.
“This administration, consistent with its predecessors, has issued a Nuclear Posture Review and Nuclear Weapons Employment Planning Guidance,” said White House spokesperson Sean Savett. “Although the details of the Guidance are classified, the fact that it exists is not a secret,” he added.
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Questions have arisen about potential shifts in U.S. nuclear strategy following a report from The New York Times on Tuesday, which suggested that President Biden has realigned Washington’s focus to address the growing threat from China for the first time.
However, the Pentagon’s “National Defense Strategy, Nuclear Posture Review, and Missile Defense Review” released in 2022 already indicated an “integrated” approach to security threats, placing China ahead of Russia in priority.
Recent Pentagon assessments revealed that China currently has around 400 nuclear warheads, a figure previously projected for the end of this decade. The Arms Control Association (ACA) forecasts that China’s nuclear arsenal could more than triple by 2035.
Despite these developments, both the U.S. and Russia retain over 11 times the number of nuclear warheads compared to China, collectively holding 90% of the world’s nuclear stockpile, according to a July ACA review.
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In a response to inquiries from TV5s Digital, the White House reiterated its stance on nuclear strategy, citing comments by spokesperson Sean Savett. Savett emphasized that the administration has consistently expressed concerns over the expanding nuclear arsenals of Russia, China, and North Korea.
“We routinely reassess our policies to adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics,” Savett said. “Our commitment remains focused on reducing nuclear risks through enhanced deterrence and prioritizing arms control diplomacy.”
While the updated nuclear guidance remains classified, Congress is anticipated to receive a declassified version before President Biden’s term concludes next year, according to Reuters.
Savett noted that the changes introduced in March reflect “more continuity than deviation” from previous strategies.
In response, China expressed serious concern over the report, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating, “We have no intention of participating in an arms race with other nations.” Mao also criticized the U.S. deterrence strategy, accusing Washington of failing to uphold its disarmament commitments.
