DOD assesses China has achieved 'strategic breakout' requiring U.S. policy, capability response

By Jason Sherman / March 1, 2022 at 7:34 PM
The U.S. military has assessed China’s program to improve its nuclear forces has achieved "strategic breakout" -- a status that indicates the Defense Department is undertaking significant new planning, and possibly considering capability shifts, to meet Beijing’s rapid qualitative and quantitative military improvements. U.S. Strategic Command chief Adm. Chas Richard -- the top uniform official responsible for strategic deterrence -- publicly revealed today that he codified the new status of China’s nuclear program last fall. “In September 2021, I formally...

Not a subscriber? Sign up for 30 days free access to exclusive, behind-the-scenes reporting on defense policy and procurement.

Log in to access this content.