Competition between great powers and a looming strategic arms race in the Asia–Pacific

As competition between the United States and Russia intensifies, the importance of nuclear weapons is rising and innovation with regard to associated technologies is gaining momentum in both countries. The other regional nuclear-armed states, such as India, Pakistan, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), also have impetus to implement their own nuclear modernization plans. The Asia–Pacific region seems to be on the brink of a strategic arms race amidst bleak international arms control and related progress. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a nuclear-weapon state, China has played constructive roles in the international arms control process and should take on more responsibilities in this tough era. © 2021, The Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University.