Monday, April 17, 2017, 11:00 - 12:00
US-China Nuclear Relations and the Risk of Nuclear War in Northeast Asia
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English
Diplomats representing the vast majority of the world's governments are meeting in the United Nations to negotiate a convention to ban nuclear weapons. Conspicuous by their absence are the nations that actually own nuclear weapons – and Japan, the only country to have suffered a major nuclear attack.
That's unfortunate, says Gregory Kulacki, China Project Manager for the Global Security Program of the Union of Concerned Scientists. China and the United States are pursuing policies that increase the likelihood of nuclear war in Northeast Asia, he says. "North Korea's nuclear weapons program and Japan's insistence on strengthening US extended nuclear deterrence inhibit regional progress on nuclear disarmament." Japan is playing an "especially unproductive role", he warns, by working quietly behind the scenes to reintroduce tactical nuclear weapons to the region.
The election of President Donald Trump makes it more likely that this aim will be realized. Even if the UN ban is successful, says Kulacki,it is unlikely in the short-term, to force decision-makers in Beijing, Pyongyang, Washington and Tokyo to reverse course. "All four governments seek to maintain or expand, rather than contract, the role of nuclear weapons in their security policies."
Gregory Kulacki has lived and worked in China for more than 20 years. He was previously associate professor of government at Green Mountain College and director of academic programs in China for the Council on International Educational Exchange. Kulacki earned a doctorate degree in political theory and a master's degree in international relations from the University of Maryland.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation.
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