under some circumstances be ail obstacle for the ad.vance!0ent of a countryrs ownforces; and fifth" many conventional weapons can be used vith great effect againstthe nuclear \{eapons of an eneny " l+3/ 327. Although this particular statement may not express an official policy, itis an indication that Soviet strategy has perhaps more flexibility than of'ten assumed. Also later formulations of Defence Minister Gretchko seem to indicatethat the earlier, almost automatic recourse to nuclear weapons that seerned to be advocated has been replaced by a different, more flexible view, conditioned. by Lhelack of knovledge of how a future war might take shape. 44/ 328. There is reason to bel-ieve that Soviet rnilitary strategists now seem to consider the possibility of a locaf (limited) war using tactical nuclear weapons, and even the possibility of a general- conventiona.I war. 3ut this does not necessarily mean that the option of raassive retafiation has been abandoned as abasic feature of Soviet nucfear doctrines. 3. lluclear doetrines of China 329. Like the other nucl-ear-weapon Powers, China has repeatedly asserted that it isfor reasons of defence that it has built up a nuclear arsenal. Unlike other nuclear Powers, hoverrer, China has stated on a number of occasions and. in various circunstances that it vou1d. never be the first to use nuclear l'eapons. !q/ rb!q., p. 288. 13/ A. S. Zjoltov, Militiirische Theorie und Mil,itiirische Praxis, Berlin, 1972, l+i+/ Gretchko, oF. cit., pp. 3)+8 and 3L9.A /35 /392 ftnp I l sn Annex I-APC ,L,L L 330' china has never openly expressed its views concerning conditions for the use of nucl-ear rr/eapon s or expressed any definitive form of given nuclear doctrlne.This has by some been taken as an indication of a ,calculated anbiguity,, designed to maximize uncertainties about Chinese intentions and capabiliti";, !i
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the strategic and military policies of the Soviet Union and China, specifically regarding the use of nuclear weapons. The language and concepts used, such as "nuclear doctrines", "tactical nuclear weapons", and "retaliatory strikes", suggest a focus on military strategy and international relations.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology