Joint Simulation Encourages U.S.-Chinese Cooperation to Address Nuclear Crises

On April 25, 2017, the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) jointly organized a scenario-based, table-top simulation focused on how China and the United States could strengthen cooperation to address potential nuclear crises. Held in Washington, this event was co-chaired by former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, NTI’s co-chairman, and CICIR Vice President Feng Zhongping.

The day’s discussions were structured around a scenario in which China and the United States worked together to address a growing crisis in South Asia. The scenario was developed to highlight the key issues that U.S. and Chinese officials would face in this type of incident. After the simulation, participants agreed that the scenario-based discussion helped them to better understand the key questions and challenges both countries would confront in the event of an actual nuclear crisis.

At the conclusion of the day’s discussions, the participants agreed on the importance of continuing and strengthening U.S.-China cooperation, both together and with other countries, to prevent the escalation of potentially dangerous situations. In addition, the participants agreed to work together to identify specific actions that the Chinese and U.S. governments can take to enhance cooperation.

Participants on the U.S. side included former U.S. government officials and other experts; on the Chinese side, they included experts and officials with background in security.

NTI and CICIR will ensure that senior policy makers in both countries are informed of the lessons and recommendations from the day’s discussions, as well as the proposals for enhanced cooperation.  NTI and CICIR also plan to continue their work to identify the benefits and mechanisms to strengthen U.S.-China cooperation in nuclear security.

China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations
Opened to the public in 1980, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations is the primary government-sponsored think-tank specializing in national and regional studies, relations between China and other countries, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau-related issues and global strategic as well as political, economic and security studies.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative
The Nuclear Threat Initiative works to protect our lives, livelihoods, environment and quality of life now and for future generations from the growing risk of catastrophic attacks from weapons of mass destruction and disruption (WMDD)—nuclear, biological, radiological, chemical and cyber. Founded in 2001 by former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn and philanthropist Ted Turner, NTI is guided by a prestigious, international board of directors. Joan Rohlfing serves as president.