Maura Burns: Inside China’s Growing Nuclear Arsenal

In this episode of *NucleCast*, host **Manolis Priniotakis** sits down with former CIA executive **Maura Burns** to unpack China’s rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities and what they mean for global strategic stability. China is undertaking an unprecedented pace of nuclear modernization—building out its arsenal, advancing delivery systems, and investing in infrastructure that signals long-term strategic ambition. As Burns explains, Beijing’s actions often speak louder than its official doctrine, raising important questions about transparency, intent, and the future of deterrence. The conversation explores the drivers behind China’s nuclear buildup, including its pursuit of a more survivable and flexible nuclear triad, as well as emerging technologies such as MIRVs, hypersonic weapons, and fractional orbital bombardment systems. Burns also examines how China’s nuclear growth could reshape arms control paradigms, challenge existing deterrence frameworks, and increase pressure on global strategic stability. - Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q - Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast - Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/ - Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278 - Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [Kimberly@anwadeter.org](mailto:Kimberly@anwadeter.org)