In a classified document authorized in March, President Biden has directed U.S. forces to prepare for potential coordinated nuclear confrontations with Russia, China, and North Korea. The highly classified nuclear strategic plan marks a significant shift in America's deterrent strategy, placing emphasis on China's rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal. The Pentagon predicts that China's stockpiles will soon rival those of the United States and Russia over the next decade.

While the White House did not make an official announcement regarding the revised strategy, two senior administration officials have subtly referred to the changes. Vipin Narang, an M.I.T. nuclear strategist, highlighted the significance of the updated weapons guidance, stating that it accounts for the "significant increase in the size and diversity" of China's nuclear arsenal. Pranay Vaddi, the National Security Council's senior director for arms control and nonproliferation, also acknowledged that the new strategy aims to deter Russia, China, and North Korea simultaneously.

The evolving geopolitical landscape, including the emerging partnership between Russia and China and the military exercises conducted jointly by the two nations, has prompted a reevaluation of American nuclear strategy. Intelligence agencies are actively investigating whether Russia is providing assistance to the missile programs of North Korea and Iran in exchange for conventional arms. These developments have underscored the need for a revised approach to address potential nuclear crises that could involve both nuclear and nonnuclear weapons.

The new nuclear strategic plan serves as a reminder that the next President of the United States, inaugurated on January 20th, 2023, will face a significantly transformed and more volatile nuclear environment than in previous years. President Vladimir V. Putin's repeated threats of nuclear weapon deployment against Ukraine and China's rapid nuclear ambitions have necessitated a reconsideration of American war plans and strategy.

China's nuclear expansion is outpacing previous intelligence estimates, driven by President Xi Jinping's aim to surpass the size of Washington's and Moscow's arsenals. North Korea's nuclear arsenal has also grown, with estimates suggesting it now possesses over 60 weapons, making it a potential collaborator along with Russia and China. These developments have compelled officials to adopt a closer examination of the collaboration and collusion between nuclear-armed adversaries.

Despite these significant shifts in the nuclear landscape, the topic has yet to feature prominently in the ongoing presidential campaign. While President Biden, known for his advocacy of nuclear nonproliferation, has not publicly discussed the details of his response to the expanded forces of China and North Korea, he has acknowledged a policy of countering the China-Russia partnership.

The latest nuclear strategy also reflects the growing importance of China. Previously, China was mentioned in the last nuclear guidance issued during the Trump administration, but the extent of President Xi's ambitions was not fully understood at the time. The Pentagon now estimates that China's nuclear force could expand to 1,000 by 2030 and reach 1,500 by 2035, numbers comparable to the current deployment of the United States and Russia.

In addition to China's nuclear expansion, concerns have risen over Beijing's decision to halt discussions with the United States on improving nuclear safety and security measures. This includes the establishment of communication channels and measures to prevent incidents or accidents from escalating into nuclear conflicts.

The revised nuclear strategy approved by President Biden marks a profound response to the changing nuclear landscape driven by China's rapid arsenal expansion. As the world prepares for the inauguration of the next U.S. president, the focus on deterring multiple nuclear-armed adversaries will be an integral part of shaping America's strategic priorities in the years to come.