NBC: US reviews nuclear strategy for potential two-front conflict with Russia, China

The United States is reviewing its nuclear weapons strategy to prepare for the possibility of simultaneous confrontation with Russia and China, NBC News reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.

According to the report, senior Pentagon official Elbridge Colby is leading a review that would reshape how the United States could respond if a conventional conflict risked escalating into a nuclear war.

The proposed strategy would place greater emphasis on the potential use of shorter-range tactical nuclear weapons during regional conflicts, marking a shift in U.S. nuclear planning, NBC reported.

Five people familiar with the discussions told the broadcaster that the revised doctrine would provide the U.S. president with updated nuclear response options during a crisis, with the aim of deterring adversaries while preventing a broader nuclear exchange.

Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief, is expected to discuss his strategic approach during a visit on Wednesday to U.S. Strategic Command in Nebraska, which oversees the country's nuclear triad of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, strategic bombers and ballistic missile submarines.

The reported review comes as Washington has increasingly warned that it faces security challenges from both Russia and China, two nuclear-armed powers.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Defense expanded its list of foreign institutions it considers linked to activities that could threaten U.S. national security. Three Chinese research universities were added, bringing the total number of listed organisations across China, Russia and Iran to around 130.

The report said the move reflects growing concern in Washington over closer strategic ties between Moscow and Beijing.

Citing The Economist, the report said European intelligence officials believe China has supplied Russia with civilian components, including engines and electronic systems, that have been incorporated into drones and other military equipment used in Ukraine.

Western officials also believe Russia has shared battlefield experience, intelligence and advanced military technology with China, including assistance in improving China's air and missile defence capabilities and technology that could make future Chinese nuclear-powered submarines quieter and more difficult to detect, according to the report.

By Aghakazim Guliyev