US drafts new nuclear strategy in case of regional conflict with China or Russia

The Defense Department policy chief is reportedly drafting a nuclear weapons strategy to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia or China.

According to reports, department’s policy chief Elbridge Colby is leading the strategy which underlined the possible use of shorter-range tactical weapons in the event of a territorial dispute.

Colby's new non-complaint strategy which was followed for decades is set to be presented in a military event in Nebraska today where he will share his perspectives on this issue.

The reports further underlined that he will privately visit the US Strategic Command responsible for nuclear forces which manages nuclear triad, strategic bombers and submarines.

The new plan is believed to update the nuclear retaliatory options presented to the US President during a crisis. This seeks to prevent a conventional deterrent from escalating into a nuclear one while also preventing the adversary from weaponizing the dispute.

Earlier, the Department of Defense added new entities to the list of foreign institutions posing security risks that could threaten US national security. The list has now grown to include 130 institutions across China, Russia and Iran.

This comes amid speculation that China is gaining military knowledge from Russia as it helps Moscow in the war against Ukraine.

The Pentagon previously cautioned that the US faces two major nuclear rivals at the same time in China and Russia. Notably, Beijing has been shipping dual-use goods such as engines and electronics that end up in drones and other weapons used in the four-year-long conflict.

Additionally, China is receiving training, intelligence and advanced military technology from Russia; hence Ukraine’s allies also believe upgrades to China’s air and missile defense systems help in constructing low-observable nuclear submarines.