China's nuclear capability is crucial for the balance of power in East Asia and the world. As this book reveals, there have been important changes recently in China's nuclear posture: the movement from a minimum deterrence posture toward a medium nuclear power posture; the pursuit of space warfare and missile defence capabilities; and, most significantly, the omission in the 2013 Defence White Paper of any reference to the principle of No First Use. Employing the insights of structural realism, this book argues that the imperatives of an anarchic international order have been the central drivers of China's nuclear assertiveness. The book also assesses the likely impact of China's emerging nuclear posture on its neighbours and on the international strategic balance, especially with the United States. The book concludes by examining China's future nuclear directions in the context of its apparent shift toward a more offensive-oriented international strategy.

China's nuclear capability is crucial for the balance of power in East Asia and the world. As this book reveals, there have been important changes recently in China's nuclear posture: the movement from a minimum deterrence posture toward a medium nuclear power posture; the pursuit of space warfare and missile defence capabilities; and, most significantly, the omission in the 2013 Defence White Paper of any reference to the principle of No First Use. Employing the insights of structural realism, this book argues that the imperatives of an anarchic international order have been the central drivers of China's nuclear assertiveness. The book also assesses the likely impact of China's emerging nuclear posture on its neighbours and on the international strategic balance, especially with the United States. The book concludes by examining China's future nuclear directions in the context of its apparent shift toward a more offensive-oriented international strategy.

This book contains papers presented at the International Conference on Science Education 2012, ICSE 2012, held in Nanjing University, Nanjing, China. It features the work of science education researchers from around the world addressing a common theme, Science Education: Policies and Social Responsibilities.The book covers a range of topics including international science education standards, public science education and science teacher education. It also examines how STEM education has dominated some countries science education policy, ways brain research might provide new approaches for assessment, how some countries are developing their new national science education standards with research-based evidence and ways science teacher educators can learn from each other.Science education research is vital in the development of national science education policies, including science education standards, teacher professional development and public understanding of science. Featuring the work of an international group of science education researchers, this book offers many insightful ideas, experiences and strategies that will help readers better understand and address challenges in the field."