Congressional commission urges US to modernize nuclear posture for defense against China and Russia.
Congressional Commission Urges U.S. to Strengthen Nuclear Posture Against Russia and China
A congressionally mandated commission has issued a wake-up call to the United States, recommending a comprehensive update and expansion of its nuclear posture to defend against the growing threats posed by Russia and China. The findings of the report, released by the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, highlight the urgent need for strategic adjustments to safeguard U.S. vital interests and international stability.
“The size and composition of the nuclear force must account for the possibility of combined aggression from Russia and China. U.S. strategy should no longer treat China’s nuclear forces as a ‘lesser included’ threat,”
The report emphasizes the necessity for a nuclear posture capable of simultaneously deterring both countries, as they pose significant challenges to the international status quo. Republican lawmakers have echoed the report’s concerns, urging immediate action to strengthen the U.S. military and its nuclear deterrent.
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated:
“The findings of this bipartisan report detail the gravity of the situation we face and emphasize that the current trajectory of the U.S. strategic forces are insufficient to deter the looming Chinese and Russian threat. The report is also a stark reminder of the significant work needed to expand our nuclear submarine industrial base to increase production and reduce repair time. The details of this report should serve as a wakeup call for our armed forces and the national security community as a whole.”
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, echoed these sentiments, describing the report’s findings as a “wakeup call for our strategic posture.”
“For the first time in history, the United States must deter two near-peer nuclear adversaries at the same time. The results of their report detailed the gravity of the situation we face and emphasized that the current trajectory of the U.S. nuclear deterrent is insufficient to deter the looming Chinese and Russian threat.”
The Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States was established under the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022. Led by Madelyn Creedon, former principal deputy administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, and former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, the committee was tasked with evaluating the U.S.’s long-term strategic posture.
China’s aggressive military modernization and expansion have raised concerns, with projections indicating they could possess up to 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035. The urgency to address these growing threats is clear, and the recommendations of the commission serve as a call to action for the United States to fortify its nuclear capabilities.
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What are the potential threats that the United States faces from Russia and China that necessitate immediate action to bolster its nuclear posture?
The threats we face from Russia and China. It is imperative that we take immediate action to bolster our nuclear posture and ensure our ability to defend against any potential aggression.”
The report also highlights the need for a comprehensive review of U.S. nuclear policy, including a reassessment of the No First Use (NFU) policy. The NFU policy states that the United States will not use nuclear weapons first in a conflict, unless attacked by a nuclear-armed adversary. However, the report suggests that this policy may no longer be sufficient to deter Russia and China, as they continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals and develop new capabilities.
Furthermore, the report recommends enhancing U.S. conventional military forces in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region to better counter Russian and Chinese aggression. It also underscores the importance of improving U.S. missile defenses, as both Russia and China have made significant advancements in their missile technologies.
Additionally, the report addresses the role of emerging technologies, such as cyber, space, and hypersonic weapons, in shaping the future strategic landscape. It emphasizes the need for the United States to invest in these areas to maintain a competitive edge and to ensure that its nuclear deterrent remains credible and effective.
In response to the report, the Biden administration has expressed its commitment to a strong and credible nuclear posture. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated:
“The United States remains committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent. We will carefully review the recommendations of the report and consider all options for strengthening our posture against the evolving threats posed by Russia and China.”
The report’s findings and recommendations have sparked a debate among policymakers and experts. While some argue that an updated and expanded nuclear posture is necessary to counter the growing threats, others express concerns about the potential arms race and the increased risk of a nuclear conflict.
It is clear that the United States must carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of any changes to its nuclear posture. The goal should be to maintain a deterrent capability that is effective, sustainable, and supportive of broader efforts to promote international peace and stability.
In conclusion, the report from the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States serves as a wake-up call for the United States to strengthen its nuclear posture against the threats posed by Russia and China. It emphasizes the need for strategic adjustments, including a comprehensive review of U.S. nuclear policy and the enhancement of conventional military forces. As the United States navigates the complex and evolving global security landscape, it must ensure that its nuclear deterrent remains credible and effective, while pursuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote international cooperation.
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