Navigating Mutual Vulnerability: US Retrenchment and Nuclear Cooperation with China

The United States is reassessing its nuclear policy in response to mounting economic pressures, rapid Chinese nuclear modernization, and evolving security threats. Modernizing the nuclear triad requires massive investments. Retrenchment could ease these burdens but risks undermining U.S. credibility in Asia. At the same time, both the U.S. and China share a mutual vulnerability that offers opportunities for cooperation in arms control, non-proliferation, and nuclear safety.