According to the most recent Nuclear Notebook published in the July/August issue of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Robert S. Norris and Hans M. Kristensen examine China’s nuclear forces in 2008.  They identify three important developments: 

• China continues to modernize its strategic nuclear forces
• China has deployed two new long-range ICBMs, the DF-31 and the DF-31A
• China is producing up to four new SSBNs

Beijing’s maritime investments are especially concerning.  Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) are survivable weapons platforms which provide an array of capabilities beyond what is required for China’s domestic security.  A robust SSBN fleet will enable China to project power both regionally and globally.

Increased transparency on the part of Beijing would help to allay concerns over its rising defense budget and…