China's rise and rivalry with the U.S. in the 21st century: Challenges for nonproliferation and nuclear reversal

Abstract

The implications of US-China rivalry on nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear reversal have become evident in major strategic regions across the globe particularly the Korean Peninsula, the Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East. On the Korean Peninsula, the US interest lies in maintaining stability in Northeast Asia and shielding its allies from potential nuclear confrontation with North Korea, while China views North Korea as a buffer state against Washington because of the US's military presence and strong alliances with Beijing's neighbors South Korea and Japan. In the Middle East, the US and Iran have had a long hostile relationship shaped by sanctions and animosity. However, it is against the backdrop of hostile US-Iran relations that the strength of China-Iran relations can be understood. Beijing has positioned itself to be an alternative great power partner to the US in the Middle East. Beijing has sought out cooperation with Tehran where the US has relied on heavy sanctions. The different lens through which these great powers view North Korea and Iran shape their differing nonproliferation policy actions toward these regions. This will sometimes lead to a clash in nonproliferation policies between Washington and Beijing. The clash in policies presents major challenges for US-led nuclear reversal...