China’s nuclear capabilities have been a subject of increasing concern for the United States, as evidenced by recent Pentagon reports. According to the latest Pentagon assessment, China’s nuclear arsenal is growing at an alarming rate, far exceeding previous estimates. The Chinese military is said to have more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of now and is on track to have over 1,000 warheads by 2030.
The Pentagon’s annual report to Congress also highlights the rapid modernization of China’s nuclear arsenal. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is not only increasing the number of warheads but is also modernizing their delivery systems. This expansion comes as the rivalry between the US and China continues to heat up, reports mercedsunstar.com.
Moreover, the Pentagon report suggests that China is likely drawing valuable insights from Russia’s recent war in Ukraine, which could shape its approach to a potential conflict over Taiwan. The report also warns that China may be developing a new intercontinental ballistic missile system using conventional weapons, which, if deployed, would allow Beijing to threaten conventional strikes on targets in the continental United States, including Hawaii and Alaska.
China’s nuclear expansion is not just a concern for the United States but also for its neighbors. The report indicates that Beijing is increasing military, diplomatic, and economic pressure not only on Taiwan but also on all its neighbors in the region. This is seen as an effort to counter what China perceives as US efforts to contain its rise.
The United States has been taking steps to counter China’s growing military capabilities. Billions of dollars have been allocated to Taiwan for the purchase of military weapons to strengthen its defense and help it repel any potential attack. However, China has also allocated billions to its armed forces, with its military budget for 2023 increasing by 7.2% to 1.58 trillion yuan, or 216 billion US dollars.
The Pentagon’s report serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges that the United States faces in maintaining its strategic balance with China. The rapid expansion and modernization of China’s nuclear arsenal underscore the urgency for the US to reassess its defense strategies and capabilities, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
