NTI and SIIS Convene Meeting in Shanghai to Discuss U.S.-China Nuclear Risks and Strategic Stability

As part of the Nuclear Threat Initiative’s (NTI) commitment to promoting dialogue between the United States and China as an essential tool for managing nuclear risks, NTI partnered with the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) to convene a workshop on June 17-18 to examine nuclear risks and strategic stability in the U.S.-China relationship. The meeting in Shanghai was part of a two-year initiative to bring together U.S. and Chinese experts to develop joint insights and recommendations for how the two countries can manage competition and reduce risks in a complex geopolitical and technological environment.

Over the course of the two-day workshop, a team of former senior U.S. government officials led by NTI President and CEO Christine E. Wormuth had detailed conversations with Chinese counterparts about each side’s threat perceptions and security concerns, the potential for emerging technologies and competition in new domains to introduce new risks, and the importance of dialogue to prevent miscalculation and escalation that could lead to the use of nuclear weapons.

“At a time when the geopolitical environment is increasingly dangerous and complex, dialogue—including between competitors—is critical for managing risks and ensuring stability,” said Wormuth. “NTI is pleased to be partnering with SIIS and is committed to developing practical recommendations for how our governments can reduce unwanted nuclear dangers.”

President Trump’s visit to Beijing last month and the likelihood of additional meetings between President Trump and President Xi later this year highlight the importance of engagement between Washinton and Beijing. NTI is committed to putting forward innovative, actionable ideas for managing the nuclear and strategic relationship between the two countries.