§ 67. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has received about the explosion of an atomic device by China.
§ Mr. George ThomsonOur information is that China exploded a low-yield nuclear device in the atmosphere on 16th October.
There is a vast difference between the first test of a crude device and the emergence of a country as a military nuclear power. While the explosion is to be deplored for many reasons including its disturbing effect on China's neighbours in Asia it will not for a number of years mean any increase in China's military power or alter the strategic situation in Asia. In view of the massive nuclear weapons system of the Western alliance, no development of her nuclear capacity by China in the foreseeable future could significantly affect the global balance of military power.