Chinese Missiles

June 14, 1999

As we learn more and more about Chinese espionage against this country, the picture looks more and more dismal. It now appears that classified U.S. nuclear secrets will be built into new Chinese strategic missiles in a matter of a few years. This could include Beijing's first multiple warhead system as well as a neutron bomb.

Consider the key elements of this security breach: (1) A long-range Chinese missile, known as the Dong Feng-31, is being equipped with a small nuclear warhead whose design uses American technology most likely stolen by Chinese agents. (2) China has obtained design information (and perhaps a whole lot more) on several modern U.S. nuclear re-entry vehicles, including a Trident II missile. (3) China has also obtained information on a variety of U.S. weapon-design concepts and weaponization features, including those of the neutron bomb.

(4) Military analysts believe the China probably used the warhead design information to build similar warheads, rather than seeking to replicate U.S. warheads. (5) The nuclear warhead data probably accelerated its program to develop future nuclear weapons and allowed China to focus successfully down critical paths and avoid less promising approaches to nuclear weapons design.

A damage assessment was ordered in March by the CIA Director based on the conclusion and recommendations by the Cox report. Although the items in the report are not known, anyone close to Capitol Hill has expressed deep concern.

A few weeks ago, I reported what a few of those in Congress said. For example, Senate majority leader Trent Lott said after a special briefing that "the hair on the back of my neck stood up because it's scary." He went on to say, "I haven't seen anything like it before in my 26 years in Congress." This is indeed a scary time for this nation.

I'm Kerby Anderson of Probe Ministries, and that's my opinion.