Fact Check: If we get nuked it will be with missiles with technology Clinton gave to China

Fact Check: "If we get nuked it will be with missiles with technology Clinton gave to China"

What We Know

The claim suggests that the technology transferred to China during Bill Clinton's presidency could be used in nuclear missiles that might threaten the United States. In 1999, the Clinton Administration approved the export of technology that allowed China to launch a communications satellite using American technology. This decision was controversial, as it followed a report from the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence indicating that lax monitoring of satellite launches had improved the accuracy of China's ballistic missile arsenal (New York Times).

The technology in question included satellite fuel and explosive bolts, which are components used in satellite launches. Critics raised concerns that such technology could potentially be repurposed for military applications, including the ejection of nuclear warheads from missiles (New York Times).

Furthermore, historical context reveals that during the 1980s and 1990s, China was involved in transferring missile technology to other countries, including Pakistan and Iran, which could suggest a broader pattern of proliferation (Congress.gov).

Analysis

The claim that Clinton's technology transfer directly enables nuclear threats is partially true. While it is accurate that the technology approved by Clinton could enhance China's missile capabilities, the assertion that it would specifically lead to a nuclear attack on the U.S. is speculative. The technology was primarily intended for civilian satellite launches, and Clinton's administration asserted that it would not significantly improve China's military capabilities (New York Times).

However, the concerns raised by intelligence officials about the potential dual-use nature of the technology cannot be dismissed. The explosive bolts used in satellite launches could theoretically be adapted for military purposes, including nuclear warheads, although there is no direct evidence that this has occurred (New York Times).

The sources used to support this claim vary in reliability. The New York Times article is a credible source, providing detailed context and direct quotes from officials. In contrast, the broader implications of missile technology proliferation are discussed in government documents and reports, which are also reliable but require careful interpretation (Congress.gov, Congress.gov).

Conclusion

The claim that "if we get nuked it will be with missiles with technology Clinton gave to China" is partially true. While Clinton's administration did approve technology transfers that could enhance China's missile capabilities, the assertion that this would directly lead to a nuclear attack on the U.S. is speculative. The technology was primarily for civilian use, and while there are legitimate concerns about its dual-use potential, there is no definitive evidence linking these transfers to an imminent nuclear threat.