Global Nuclear Threat: China Accelerates Strategic Warhead Build-Up

China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal across land, air, and sea, raising concerns that its modernization—despite official “no first use” claims—could signal readiness to employ nuclear weapons in crisis scenarios, especially if faced with potential defeat over Taiwan.

This is reported by Reuters.

The People’s Republic of China is reportedly undertaking an unprecedented expansion of its nuclear arsenal, raising concerns worldwide. According to the Pentagon and international arms control experts, China’s strategic buildup is proceeding faster than that of any other nuclear power.

In March, General Anthony Cotton, commander of US Strategic Command, informed Congress that Xi Jinping’s directive to prepare the military for a potential forceful takeover of Taiwan by 2027 has become a major driver of large-scale nuclear rearmament.

Although Beijing reiterated its commitment to a “no first use” policy in its 2023 defense doctrine, analysts warn that China could consider a preemptive strike if its strategic forces were threatened with destruction or faced a significant defeat in a regional conflict.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists reports that China currently possesses approximately 600 warheads and is constructing more than 350 new silo-based launchers, along with several bases for mobile missile systems. In total, the People’s Liberation Army of China operates around 712 ground-launched missile launchers, 462 of which are capable of reaching the United States.

The US Pentagon projects that by 2030, China will have over 1,000 warheads, including high-precision, low-yield missiles and multi-megaton intercontinental ballistic missiles. This indicates that Beijing is pursuing not only numerical superiority but also a qualitative modernization of its strategic arsenal.

In response, the Chinese Ministry of Defense emphasizes that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be waged,” framing its policy as defensive. At the same time, Beijing sharply criticizes warnings of a “nuclear threat from China,” dismissing them as attempts to discredit the country.

Recall that the Chinese and Russian naval forces conducted joint exercises in the Sea of Japan.

By the way, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said that during joint military exercises with Russia, it is planned to practice scenarios for the use of nuclear weapons, as well as the latest Oreshnik system. According to him, this is an important element of strategic deterrence in the face of growing tension on the country’s western and northern borders.

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