US Shifted Nuclear Strategy to Focus on China

In March, a classified U.S. strategy document known as the "Nuclear Employment Guidance", updated roughly every four years, was revised by President Joe Biden to focus on China's expansion of its nuclear arsenal. The revised document also recognizes the possibility of a coordinated nuclear threat involving China, North Korea, and Russia. 

For Context: The Pentagon estimates that China's nuclear stockpile will grow to over 1,000 operational warheads by 2030. Talks about nuclear deterrence between the U.S. and China stalled in July when Beijing exited discussions, citing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. 

China's Response: Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said the U.S. is the "creator of the world's largest strategic risk of nuclear threat." She added, "Beijing maintained its nuclear arsenal at the minimum level required for national security, which was not at the same level as Washington," according to Newsweek (Center bias).

How the Media Covered It: The New York Times (Lean Left bias) broke the story. "In the past, the likelihood that American adversaries could coordinate nuclear threats...seemed remote. But the emerging partnership between Russia and China, and the conventional arms North Korea and Iran are providing to Russia...fundamentally changed Washington’s thinking," the Times said. The Gateway Pundit (Right bias) said, "One could argue the Times is participating in election interference, believing their story would set off panic across social media and the country. If true, then this form of journalism is highly irresponsible."