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Critical need for China to be more transparent about nuclear issues

 it’s critical that the nation develop a clear understanding of the challenges and potential dangers.  A certain amount of transparency, including when things go wrong, will help alleviate unnecessary misperceptions and misunderstandings in the region and beyond.

China’s nuclear sub needs, The Diplomat, By Manpreet Sethi, August 15, 2011 The past couple of weeks have seen a number of reports over a rumoured radiation leak from a 094 type Chinese nuclear submarine stationed near Dalian port. The incident is said to have occurred as electronic equipment was being installed on the sub.

Did it really happen? While somenewspaper reports certainly seem to suggest so, officials have clamped down on discussion of the issue. This is hardly surprising since China has never been open about its nuclear assets (unless proudly displaying them during its national parades) and this would be especially the case over failures in these systems during regular research and development and deployment. This means that until there’s greater overall transparency in Chinese official reports, such alleged incidents remain simply rumours…..

many of the nuclear weapon states are actually moving towards relying solely on sea-based deterrent. The UK maintains only nuclear submarines for nuclear delivery. ….

There’s little doubt that China considers the development of the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad as critical for the credibility of its nuclear doctrine of no first use, and Beijing is moving steadily towards operationalization of its new Jin class of subs. Still, it would do well to acknowledge that new dangers will accompany the new capability. In anticipation of these, and given that China can’t afford the loss of one of its nuclear subs – materially, politically, psychologically or environmentally – it’s critical that the nation develop a clear understanding of the challenges and potential dangers.  A certain amount of transparency, including when things go wrong, will help alleviate unnecessary misperceptions and misunderstandings in the region and beyond.
http://the-diplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2011/08/15/chinas-nuclear-sub-needs/

August 16, 2011 - Posted by | China, weapons and war

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