No.50 May 2020 Launch-On-Warning and China’s Nuclear Posture Samanvya Hooda ICS OCCASSIONAL PAPER NO. 50 Launch-On-Warning and China’s Nuclear Posture Author: Samanvya Hooda First published in 2020 © Institute of Chinese Studies, Delhi Institute of Chinese Studies 8/17 Sri Ram Road, Civil Lines Delhi 110 054, INDIA Ph.: +91-11-23938202; Fax: +91-11-23830728 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.icsin.org ABOUT THE AUTHOR Samanvya Hooda is a Research Assistant at the Institute of Chinese Studies, Delhi. He holds a B.A (International Relations) from the Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, with a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. As part of his coursework, he authored a dissertation exploring the factors that led to Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of 2015, along with a seminar paper on 'Legal Aspects of Digital Surveillance in India'. Prior to ICS, he worked with a New Delhi based advocacy consultancy, and also as a Research Intern for the Nuclear Security Programme at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. His research interests lie in Nuclear Doctrines and Security, Missile Programs, South Asian Geopolitics, and Conventional Deterrence. Contact:
[email protected] Acknowledgement The author would like to thank Ruhee Neog, Director of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies for her valuable feedback and comments. Launch-On-Warning and China’s Nuclear Posture Abstract China’s deterrent is premised on the survivability and credibility of its nuclear forces. The policy of assured retaliation has allowed it to maintain a relatively small arsenal, stressing on second-strike capabilities for counter-value targeting.