Rising Sino-American tensions have prompted widespread discussion of a “New Cold War.” China has continued to expand its nuclear capabilities while the United States feels under pressure to enhance its own capabilities. While some experts describe the bilateral relationship currently as being in a moment of “fragile stability,” this remains precarious. Bilateral military-to-military talks have resumed after Presidents Biden and Xi met in San Francisco last November; and the two sides held a consultation on arms control and nonproliferation last November, but the meeting produced no specific results. During this period of fragile stability, to what extent has risk in the nuclear domain decreased, and what risks remain? What actions do experts recommend both sides take to reduce nuclear risk? What should we expect for the future of U.S.-China nuclear relations? 

Please join us for a panel discussion of the present state of the U.S.-China nuclear relationship with three experts on U.S.-China nuclear relations.

The program is occasioned by the Carter Center’s publication of Modernizing Sino-U.S. Confidence-Building Measures: Cold War Case Studies and Chinese Perspectives, a study drawing lessons from U.S.-Soviet nuclear confidence-building measures to apply to the Sino-U.S. nuclear relationship today.