[Poohbah]

It implies "starting" a nuclear exchange. But the Chinese targeting model indicates that they have (according to THEIR estimates) no hope of WINNING (big difference) a nuclear exchange. Basically, Chinese nuclear forces are the last line of defense for Chinese sovereignty--they are intended to prevent the US (or anyone else) from engaging in actions that would lead to the destruction of the PRC as a political entity, by threatening unacceptable levels of damage in return for those actions.

If they seriously intended to fight and win a nuclear exchange against the United States, their force structure would look a lot more like the XUSSR's did at their peak.

[HELLRAISER II]

This may be & I have read many of your posts and have agreed with most. But I disagree with you totally, the Chinese are sneaky little B@stards & have our destruction in mind with every new weapon they acquire or build. They have strategically taken over the Panama Canal & never miss a chance to show us up or stand in our way. It's not that I want you to be wrong, I wish that you are right , but somehow I doubt it.

[wcbtinman]

"If they seriously intend to fight and win a nuclear exchange against the United States,their force structure would look a lot more like the XUSSR's did at their peak."

That assumes that they think like you do. But then, very few people do.