China is dramatically increasing its nuclear capabilities and fortifying its military connections with Russia, according to a recent Pentagon analysis. Several significant changes are highlighted in the report, which was published on December 18, 2024:
With a noteworthy acquisition of almost 100 new warheads in the last year alone, China is on course to reach over 1,000 warheads in its nuclear arsenal by 2030. According to estimates, China now has about 500 nuclear weapons in use.
According to the research, China will be able to target more American towns and military locations than ever before thanks to its improvements. As part of this expansion, missile fields with 320 or more launch silos would be built in China’s northern regions; some of these fields are currently operating.
China is putting more military pressure on Taiwan, which it considers a renegade province, in tandem with its nuclear expansion. For American interests in the area, this escalation presents serious difficulties.
The research points out that despite these developments, military modernization initiatives may be hampered by ongoing corruption probes within China’s Central Military Commission. Even when success is made in other areas, this internal conflict may slow down some endeavors.
According to the Pentagon, China’s military buildup is a reflection of its aspirations to project influence internationally, transcending regional boundaries and improving its strategic capabilities across a range of areas, such as missile and naval systems.
The Pentagon’s analysis highlights a dual story of swift military development and domestic issues that may affect China’s long-term military goals.
