Pentagon Reports Tripling of China's Nuclear Arsenal

The Pentagon's latest report indicates that China's nuclear arsenal has increased to over 600 operational warheads, nearly tripling since 2020, with projections suggesting it could exceed 1,000 by 2030. This rapid expansion is part of a broader strategy aimed at military modernization and enhancing China's nuclear capabilities, including the development of a nuclear triad with capabilities from land, sea, and air. U.S. officials express concerns about the implications for strategic stability, urging China to be more transparent about its nuclear program. Concurrently, China's military pressure on Taiwan is intensifying, while its partnership with Russia appears to strengthen amid ongoing joint military exercises. Despite its advancements, the Chinese military faces significant internal corruption challenges that may undermine its efficacy. China maintains that its nuclear strategy is defensive and adheres to a no-first-use policy, rejecting U.S. criticisms as outdated Cold War thinking.