US Department of Defense: "China Rapidly Expanding Nuclear Warhead Stockpile" ... Expected to Exceed 1,000 by 2030

Report Submitted to Congress
"Developing ICBM Using Conventional Weapons
Deployment Will Put US Mainland and Alaska Within Range"

The U.S. Department of Defense revealed in a report submitted to Congress that China currently possesses more than 500 nuclear warheads. Although this accounts for about 14% of the U.S. stockpile, the number is expected to rapidly increase to over 1,000 by 2030.

In the '2023 China Military Power Report' released on the 19th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense stated, "As of May this year, China appears to have more than 500 nuclear warheads, exceeding previous estimates." It projected that the stockpile would surpass 1,000 by 2030.

Last year, the Department of Defense reported that the Chinese government held 400 nuclear warheads and that the number would grow to around 1,500 by 2035. While this does not match the nuclear warhead stockpiles of the U.S. or Russia, the Department noted that the growth rate is very rapid.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media, the U.S. currently holds a total of 3,700 nuclear warheads, of which 1,419 strategic warheads are deployed. Russia has deployed 1,550 nuclear warheads, with a total stockpile reaching 4,489.

A senior U.S. Department of Defense official pointed out, "The Chinese government is rapidly expanding and diversifying its nuclear military capabilities," adding, "Compared to 10 years ago, it is evolving quickly in terms of both scale and precision."

The report also warned that China may be developing a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system using conventional weapons, which, if deployed, could threaten the U.S. mainland as well as Hawaii and Alaska.

Regarding hypersonic missiles, the report assessed that the missile units of the Chinese People's Liberation Army are transforming according to hypersonic technology, and the Chinese government could use these to attack foreign bases and ships. The report stated, "If China deploys the hypersonic Dongfeng-17 armed medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), the missile power of the Chinese military will continue to evolve."

The Department of Defense reports that the Chinese government has already constructed more than 300 silos capable of launching ICBMs. According to the report, the Chinese navy possesses a total of 370 submarines and warships, an increase of about 30 vessels compared to last year.

The report also forecasted that China will complete preparations to invade Taiwan by 2027. It pointed out, "China engaged in increasingly dangerous and coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region last year," and "The level of provocations and security-threatening activities against Taiwan also increased significantly." Additionally, it added, "China has attempted to covertly supply Russia with materials to support the war in Ukraine."

China's defense budget last year increased by 7.1% from the previous year to $229 billion, accounting for about 1.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP). The Chinese army has a total of 1.05 million personnel and is estimated to possess 350 ICBMs and 500 launchers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.