China and North Korea Expand Nuclear Arsenals, SIPRI Report Reveals

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports a rapid expansion in China's nuclear arsenal, growing from 410 to 500 warheads in a year, and placing some on high operational alert for the first time. This growth outpaces all other nuclear-armed states, with projections that China could reach over 1,000 warheads by 2030. Meanwhile, North Korea has increased its arsenal from 30 to 50 warheads and is developing tactical nuclear weapons. India has also bolstered its stockpile to 172 warheads, surpassing Pakistan's 170. The U.S. and Russia together hold 90% of the world's nuclear weapons, and all nuclear-armed states are modernizing their arsenals. The rising nuclear capabilities across multiple nations underscore a heightened reliance on nuclear deterrence amid global geopolitical tensions.