A formation of Dongfeng-41 intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles takes part in a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, capital of China, October 1, 2019. Photo: Xinhua
Hu Xijin, the editor of the Chinese state-run newspaper the Global Times, considers enhancing China's nuclear program as being vital to the country's "strategic deterrence" against the United States.
Protests in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the COVID-19 pandemic and accusations China's engaged in a genocide against the Uighur Muslims are sowing deeper divisions in an already strained relationship between China and the United States.
With Beijing one of America's top concerns, President Joe Biden has sought to strike a stern tone, while China sees much of America's actions and comments to be an encroachment on its sovereignty.
The increasingly confrontational rhetoric and military maneuvers coming out of the two countries have raised concerns about a potential war.
"We must be prepared for an intense showdown between China and the U.S.," Hu wrote in a Thursday op-ed for the Global Times. "The number of China's nuclear warheads must reach the quantity that makes U.S. elites shiver should they entertain the idea of engaging in a military confrontation with China."
Hu advocated for "rapidly" increasing the number of commissioned nuclear warheads, DF-41s, an intercontinental ballistic missile, and strategic missiles that have "long-range" capabilities. The editor posted the same comments on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.
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WNU Editor: The Global Times editorial is here .... Cornerstone of China’s strategic deterrence against the US: more nuclear missiles and warheads (Hu Xijin, Global Times).
