Center for International Security and Cooperation

John Lewis of Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) is an expert on China and its military and security policy bureaucracy. He “wrote the book” on China’s nuclear program – China Builds the Bomb – in 1988 and for decades has maintained positive working relationships with key Chinese policymakers and military leaders. Part of a recent grant to Lewis is for early discussions with Chinese leaders to explore their attitudes about the goal of a nuclear weapons-free world and to identify practical measures that can be undertaken mutually to work toward the goal.   While China’s arsenal is, relative to that of the U.S. and Russia, quite modest, China’s support of the goal and participation in achieving it is absolutely essential. Thus, early engagement to set a positive context for official negotiations is imperative. Lewis and his efforts will help create such an environment.