Summary and Additional Remarks by Geopolist | Istanbul Center for Geopolitics
China’s nuclear journey began during one of its most difficult political periods, defined by the dissolution of its relationship with the Soviet Union and a severe domestic economic downturn. China continued to pursue its nuclear program despite the absence of Soviet technological backing. On October 16, 1964, it successfully detonated its first atomic weapon in the Lop Nur desert, cementing its reputation as a nuclear power and paving the way for further improvements.
The 1960s were a time of urgency for China, owing to the coming deadline of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT), which acknowledged countries possessing nuclear weapons built before 1967 as official nuclear powers. China’s first nuclear test was conducted in 1964, giving them enough time to continue development before the pact went into effect. This strategic chronology enabled China’s inclusion among the acknowledged nuclear powers, granting it the legal right to acquire nuclear weapons.
Beyond the atomic weapon, China made tremendous advances in missile technology. The successful 1966 test of the Dong Feng-2 (DF-2) missile, which was loaded with a nuclear warhead, demonstrated China’s ability to deliver nuclear weapons via missile. This was a game changer, allowing China to project nuclear power beyond its boundaries while dramatically improving its strategic military capabilities.
In 1967, China successfully tested a hydrogen bomb, marking yet another step forward in nuclear technology. The hydrogen bomb, or thermonuclear device, was a more sophisticated and devastating weapon, cementing China’s place as one of the world’s top nuclear powers. This quick progress indicated China’s determination to not only join the nuclear club, but to do so on equal terms with other big nations such as the United States and the Soviet Union.
China’s nuclear successes were also influenced by geopolitical factors. The 1960s were a period of high tension in global politics, with the Cold War at its peak and various regional wars. China’s acquisition of nuclear weapons was intended to repel external threats, primarily those from the United States and the Soviet Union. Furthermore, its nuclear weapons were designed to offset the expanding influence of these countries in Asia, cementing China’s status as a major actor in global geopolitics.
China’s nuclear development has long-lasting consequences. Its status as a nuclear power has enabled it to exercise its influence in international diplomacy, giving it bargaining power and cementing its position as a significant actor in global security. Furthermore, China’s persistent investment in nuclear weapons and delivery technologies demonstrates its determination to sustaining and enhancing strategic capabilities in an increasingly complex international environment.
Finally, China’s development as a nuclear power was not solely due to scientific capability but also reflected its strategic vision. China’s nuclear program cemented its place on the world arena, securing its sovereignty and influence in an ever-changing global order. The successful tests in the 1960s were critical in moulding China’s destiny, providing it with both the ability to defend itself and the prestige that comes with being one of the world’s recognized nuclear powers.
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