Any conflict over Taiwan would risk U.S.-China nuclear escalation, study finds

A conflict between the U.S. and China over Taiwan would risk a nuclear escalation with both militaries likely to stage sweeping operations targeting rival command and communications hubs, a leading defence research centre said on Thursday.



In a strategic assessment ahead of Asia's biggest annual defence meeting in Singapore this weekend, the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said the world was on the cusp of a new nuclear arms race "with the Asia-Pacific at its core".



Taiwan, along with the conflict in Iran and uncertainties about U.S. commitments to the region, are expected to surface prominently at the IISS' Shangri-La Dialogue.



The informal conference runs from May 29 to 31, drawing an eclectic mix of ministers, generals, intelligence chiefs, diplomats, analysts and weapons makers.

The event follows a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Beijing earlier this month, which led to some concern in Taipei about the U.S. commitment to help the democratically ruled island defend itself.



Beijing has never ruled out the use of force to take control of Taiwan, but has also said it would prefer "peaceful reunification". Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.