Biden's Nuclear Policy Update: More a 'Business as Usual' Than a Shift

The White House refutes claims that President Biden's nuclear policy update represents a significant departure from past approaches, emphasizing that it's a routine review to address evolving geopolitical dynamics.

President Biden's recent approval of a change to the U.S. nuclear posture has raised questions about a potential shift in nuclear strategy. However, the White House has dismissed these concerns, maintaining that it's a standard practice to update nuclear policy in response to changing global security threats.

The specific contents of the updated guidance remain classified, but the White House has assured that it's not a response to any particular entity or threat. It's part of an ongoing review process that has been conducted by previous administrations as well.

Biden's Nuclear Policy Update: More a 'Business as Usual' Than a Shift

The United States has expressed concerns over the growing nuclear capabilities of China and Russia. The Pentagon's 2022 National Defense Strategy identifies China as the primary security threat, followed by Russia.

China is estimated to possess around 400 nuclear warheads, a number that is expected to increase significantly by 2035. The U.S. and Russia combined still possess over 90% of the world's nuclear stockpiles.

Biden's Nuclear Policy Update: More a 'Business as Usual' Than a Shift

The White House emphasizes the importance of deterrence in reducing nuclear risk. It believes that a strong nuclear arsenal serves as a deterrent against potential adversaries.

The updated guidance is expected to be revised and presented to Congress in an unclassified form before Biden leaves office next year. This is intended to ensure transparency and accountability.

Biden's Nuclear Policy Update: More a 'Business as Usual' Than a Shift

China has expressed concern over the reported shift in U.S. nuclear policy, reiterating its commitment to disarmament and rejecting any arms race.

Sean Savett, a White House spokesperson, clarified that the guidance is not a response to a single country but a broader assessment of emerging geopolitical conditions.

Biden's Nuclear Policy Update: More a 'Business as Usual' Than a Shift

Savett emphasized that the updated guidance represents more continuity than change, with ongoing efforts focused on enhancing deterrence and promoting arms control diplomacy.

The Biden administration aims to strike a balance between maintaining a strong nuclear arsenal for deterrence purposes while pursuing diplomatic efforts to reduce nuclear risk and promote disarmament.