PREVENTING NUCLEAR TERRORISM

Abstract

Nuclear terrorism in all its forms is the common enemy of all mankind. Given the emergence of global, non-state terrorism, China must be prepared to confront such threats. A terrorist attack using a functional nuclear device would be devastating. A radiological dispersion device or “dirty bomb” is another form—much less deadly and easier to build than even a crude nuclear device. China believes that to combat nuclear terrorism, it is vital to enhance the security of nuclear materials. Beijing has taken substantial steps in this direction, as well as in increasing the protection of its nuclear facilities, but much work remains to be done, including improving its management and control of radioactive sources and clarifying the design basis threat for critical installations. Ultimately, however, the most effective security will come from strengthening the international nonproliferation and nuclear control regimes.

Keywords:

• China
• Nuclear terrorism
• Dirty bomb
• Nuclear Nonproliteration

This article was possible with the help of professors John W. Lewis, Scott Sagan, George Bunn, Wolfgang K.H. Panofsky, and Michael May, to whom the author is grateful. The author also thanks Lynn Eden for her research help, and Dave Dorn and Ellie Lwin for their editing suggestions.

Notes

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