2021-11181. Notice of Open Public Hearing

AGENCY:

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

ACTION:

Notice of open public hearing.

SUMMARY:

Notice is hereby given of the following hearing of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. The Commission is mandated by Congress to investigate, assess, and report to Congress annually on “the national security implications of the economic relationship between the United States and the People's Republic of China.” Pursuant to this mandate, the Commission will hold a public hearing in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2021 on “China's Nuclear Forces.”

DATES:

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 10, 2021, 9:30 a.m.

ADDRESSES:

This hearing will be held with panelists and Commissioners participating in-person or online via videoconference. Members of the audience will be able to view a live webcast via the Commission's website at www.uscc.gov. Also, please check the Commission's website for possible changes to the hearing schedule. Reservations are not required to attend the hearing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Any member of the public seeking further information concerning the hearing should contact Jameson Cunningham, 444 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 602, Washington, DC 20001; telephone: [phone], or via email at [e-mail]. Reservations are not required to attend the hearing.

ADA Accessibility: For questions about the accessibility of the event or to request an accommodation, please contact Jameson Cunningham via email at [e-mail]. Requests for an accommodation should be made as soon as possible, and at least five business days prior to the event.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background: This is the sixth public hearing the Commission will hold during its 2021 report cycle. This hearing will examine the modernization, expansion, and adaptation of China's nuclear capabilities over time. The first panel will examine China's nuclear weapons stockpile and delivery systems; the nuclear forces' command, control, and communications; and Beijing's use of military-civil fusion to support the nuclear forces. The second panel will explore why China seeks to modernize its nuclear forces, historical changes in Chinese nuclear doctrine, and the possibility of escalation to nuclear use in selected regional contingencies. The final panel will assess the implications of China's growing nuclear capabilities for the United States, the region, and the global nonproliferation regime.

The hearing will be co-chaired by Commissioner Jeffrey Fiedler and Commissioner Alex Wong. Any interested party may file a written statement by June 10, 2021 by transmitting to the contact above. A portion of the hearing will include a question and answer period between the Commissioners and the witnesses.

Authority: Congress created the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in 2000 in the National Defense Authorization Act (Pub. L. 106-398), as amended by Division P of the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (Pub. L. 108-7), as amended by Public Law 109-108 (November 22, 2005), as amended by Public Law 113-291 (December 19, 2014).

Dated: May 21, 2021.

Daniel W. Peck,

Executive Director, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.