Top Chinese General Warns U.S.

A provocative article in the Financial Times Top Chinese general warns US over attack (I believe the article is available to all) warns of a potential nuclear war.

China is prepared to use nuclear weapons against the US if it is attacked by Washington during a confrontation over Taiwan, a Chinese general said on Thursday.

"If the Americans draw their missiles and position-guided ammunition on to the target zone on China's territory, I think we will have to respond with nuclear weapons," said General Zhu Chenghu.

Gen Zhu was speaking at a function for foreign journalists organised, in part, by the Chinese government. He added that China's definition of its territory included warships and aircraft.

Whatever happened to the peace dividend?

Update: The New York Times has a similar article Chinese General Threatens Use of A-Bombs if U.S. Intrudes (free registration required).