The presence of nuclear weapons is another cause for optimism. It is difficult for any
great power to expand when confronted by other powers with nuclear weapons. India,
Russia, and the USA all have nuclear arsenals, and Japan could quickly go nuclear if it felt
threatened by China. These countries, which are likely to form the core of an anti-China
balancing coalition, will not be easy for China to push around as long as they have nuclear
weapons. In fact, China is likely to act cautiously towards them for fear of triggering a
conflict that might escalate to the nuclear level. In short, nuclear weapons will be a force for
peace if China continues its rise.