A recent Pentagon report has highlighted China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear weapons arsenal, surpassing previous estimates.
The annual report, mandated by Congress, underscores China’s growing military capabilities and its status as the primary long-term security concern for the United States.
According to the 2023 report, China is advancing its nuclear force at a pace faster than anticipated, aiming to deploy over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. This aggressive modernization effort aligns with President Xi Jinping’s ambition of establishing a “world-class” military by 2049. In contrast, the United States currently possesses 3,750 active nuclear warheads.
The report emphasizes China’s mounting military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan and neighboring countries. It cites China’s use of ballistic missile overflights, increased warplane incursions into Taiwan’s defense zone, and large-scale military exercises as tactics to counter perceived U.S. containment strategies and reunify Taiwan with the mainland.
Furthermore, the Pentagon report reveals China’s heightened aggression in intercepting U.S. military flights in international airspace, recording over 180 such incidents. China’s response to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine is also noted, indicating Beijing’s pursuit of industrial and economic self-reliance following the impact of Western sanctions on Moscow.
Amidst global challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the Pentagon’s focus remains on China as the primary threat. This assessment comes as the U.S. prepares for an expected meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
China’s swift nuclear expansion and increasing military aggression underscore the ongoing geopolitical competition and potential security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.”
