White House Warns of Accelerated Nuclear Expansion by North Korea, China, and Russia

Washington, D.C. – A senior White House official has raised alarms about the rapid expansion and diversification of nuclear arsenals by North Korea, China, and Russia, suggesting that the United States may need to augment its own nuclear capabilities in response.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation at the National Security Council, these developments could propel the U.S. and its allies towards an era of unbridled nuclear competition. Vaddi’s comments came during a forum hosted by the Arms Control Association, a U.S.-based nonpartisan organization. He noted, “Russia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and North Korea are all expanding and diversifying their nuclear arsenals at a breakneck pace, showing little or no interest in arms control.”

Vaddi also highlighted increasing cooperation among these nations and Iran, actions he said “run counter to peace and stability, threaten the United States, our allies, and our partners, and exacerbate regional tensions.” This cooperation, coupled with their nuclear advancements, has prompted the U.S. to reconsider its strategic stance.

The urgency of these threats has led President Joe Biden to issue updated nuclear weapons employment guidance. This guidance focuses on the growth of China’s arsenal and the need to concurrently deter threats from Russia, China, and North Korea. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to arms control as a means to minimize its nuclear arsenal while still achieving national security objectives.

Vaddi warned of potential adjustments to the U.S. nuclear posture and capabilities if the current trajectory of these countries’ nuclear policies does not change. “Absent a change in the trajectory of adversary arsenals, we may reach a point in the coming years where an increase from current deployed numbers is required,” he stated.

He also emphasized recent U.S. actions, such as upgrading the B61 nuclear gravity bomb and extending the life of Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, as steps towards maintaining a credible deterrence strategy. Vaddi pointed to the Washington Declaration between the U.S. and South Korea, which established the Nuclear Consultative Group to discuss nuclear and strategic planning issues, as a key example of international collaboration.

In his closing remarks, Vaddi criticized Russia and China for their refusal to engage in arms control discussions and North Korea for responding to U.S. engagement efforts with increased missile tests and hostility. “Practically speaking, they are forcing the U.S., our close allies, and partners to prepare for a world where nuclear competition occurs without numerical constraints,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of enhancing U.S. capabilities to support strategic arms control.