Close Menu
The Defence Times
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter)
    The Defence Times
    • Asia-Pacific
    • Europe
    • India
    • Middle-East
    • North America
    • South Asia
    • Russia-Ukraine War
    • ABOUT US
    The Defence Times
    Home»China»China Expands Nuclear Arsenal, Strengthens Ties with Russia: Pentagon Report
    China

    China Expands Nuclear Arsenal, Strengthens Ties with Russia: Pentagon Report

    By Rajesh KumarDecember 19, 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit Telegram WhatsApp
    China Expands Nuclear Arsenal, Strengthens Ties with Russia: Pentagon Report
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Tumblr Reddit Telegram WhatsApp

    The Pentagon has recently disclosed that China has significantly expanded its nuclear forces, increasing its operational nuclear warheads to more than 600 as of May 2024, with projections suggesting the number could exceed 1,000 by 2030. This revelation comes from the Defense Department’s annual assessment of China’s military capabilities, emphasizing Beijing’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its nuclear arsenal at an unprecedented pace.

    Key Points from the Pentagon Report:

    • Nuclear Expansion: China’s nuclear warhead count has seen a 20% increase from the previous year. The development includes the construction of at least three intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silo fields, significantly enhancing its capability to launch attacks against distant targets, including the U.S.
    • Technological Advancements: Alongside increasing the number of warheads, China is also focusing on creating a more diverse and technologically sophisticated nuclear force. This includes the development of strategic hypersonic glide vehicles (HGV) and a fractional orbital bombardment system, which could allow for strikes from space.
    • Military Pressure on Taiwan: The report notes an increase in military pressure against Taiwan, with China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), continuing to assert its presence through regular military exercises and deployments in the region.
    • Strengthened Ties with Russia: In addition to nuclear expansion, China has intensified its diplomatic and military cooperation with Russia, including support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine through the supply of dual-use technologies beneficial to Moscow’s military industry.
    • Corruption and Modernization: While there has been significant progress in China’s military modernization, corruption within the Central Military Commission has been a setback. This has led to the removal of several high-ranking officials, potentially slowing down some modernization efforts.

    Strategic Implications:

    The United States views this expansion as part of China’s broader strategy to achieve “world-class” military status by 2049. The Biden administration has responded by increasing U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and fostering communication channels with Beijing to mitigate tensions. However, the Pentagon’s report also highlights ongoing concerns about China’s “no-first-use” policy, suggesting there might be scenarios where China could consider nuclear first strikes, although no explicit changes to this policy have been observed.

    Current U.S.-China Relations:

    The U.S. has been working on balancing its approach to China, aiming to deter aggression while maintaining diplomatic engagement. Recent talks have seen a decrease in risky aerial intercepts, but “unsafe” maneuvers by Chinese aircraft near U.S. forces persist. The strategic environment remains tense, with Taiwan being a focal point of potential conflict.

    The expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal, combined with its strategic military developments, marks a significant shift in global military dynamics. It underscores the need for continued vigilance, diplomatic engagement, and strategic planning by the U.S. and its allies to manage this evolving security landscape.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit Telegram WhatsApp
    Rajesh Kumar
    • Website

    Related Posts

    China’s Domestically Developed 600Kg Thrust-Class High-End Turbofan Engine For Drones Completes Successful Ignition

    December 30, 2024

    High-Ranking Military Official In China Under Investigation

    November 29, 2024

    China Claims Its New Stealth Coating Blinds Anti-Stealth Radars

    November 27, 2024

    55 Chinese Sailors Died In Nuclear Submarine Accident In August: Report

    October 5, 2023

    PLA Rocket Force Uncovers ‘Shortcomings’

    September 16, 2023

    Chinese Arms Exports Face Sharp Decline Due To Defective Quality: Report

    September 13, 2023
    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    Latest Posts

    Indian Navy Conducts Successful Anti-Ship Missile Test To Demonstrate Combat Readiness

    April 28, 2025

    MoD Issues RFI To Procure 23mm Anti-Drone Ammunition For Indian Army

    January 3, 2025

    India’s GTRE Nears Completion of Advanced 130kN Engine Test Bed in Bangalore

    January 2, 2025
    Advertisement

    Russia’s Gazprom Halts Gas Transit Through Ukraine as Transit Deal Expires

    Russia-Ukraine War January 2, 2025

    China Stuns The World With Barrage of Next-Gen Military Aircraft

    Asia-Pacific January 1, 2025

    No One Can Ever Stop China’s Reunification With Taiwan: Xi Jinping

    Asia-Pacific January 1, 2025

    Border Tensions Rise Between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban

    South Asia December 30, 2024

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get The Latest Geo-Political News From The Defence Times

    The world's most comprehensive Defence and Military news website. Bringing you the latest defence news & updates from across the globe.

    Facebook X (Twitter)

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest Geo-Political news from The Defence Times

    © 2025 TheDefenceTimes.com
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms Of Use
    • ABOUT US
    • Contact Us
    • DISCLAIMER

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.