Stockholm: China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, according to a new report, underscoring its growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its annual yearbook, the report revealed that China is rapidly increasing its nuclear forces and could soon surpass both the United States and Russia in intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
As of January this year, China has added more than 90 warheads to its nuclear stockpile, bringing the total to 500. The country currently possesses approximately 238 ICBMs, a number expected to exceed the US’s 800 and Russia’s 1,244 within the next decade if current trends continue.
Despite these advancements, SIPRI noted that China’s overall nuclear arsenal remains significantly smaller compared to the United States, which holds 5,044 warheads, and Russia, with 5,580. Together, these two nations possess nearly 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons.
Hans Kristensen, associate senior fellow with SIPRI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, highlighted the global trend of nuclear expansion among various countries. He emphasized, “China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country,” noting broader efforts in other nuclear-armed states to bolster their own arsenals.
The report also addressed geopolitical challenges to nuclear arms control and disarmament efforts. It noted setbacks in diplomacy throughout 2023, including Russia’s suspension of strategic nuclear arms treaties with the US amid increased global tensions.
Regarding China specifically, SIPRI reported that Beijing is constructing approximately 350 new silos for land-based ballistic missiles, potentially increasing its deployment capacity to around 650 warheads. There is uncertainty about China’s plans for these silos, but projections suggest the number of ICBM warheads could rise to over 1,200 if current construction trends persist.
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Despite international concerns, China has maintained a stance of strategic restraint in its nuclear policy. The country’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Lin Jian, reiterated China’s commitment to a “no first use policy” and emphasized that its nuclear capabilities are solely for national security purposes.
The SIPRI report concludes with a sobering outlook on the global nuclear landscape, highlighting ongoing increases in operational warheads despite gradual dismantlement efforts of Cold War-era weapons. This trajectory, SIPRI Director Dan Smith warned, is concerning and likely to accelerate in the coming years.
