Official Chinese government reports or credible international defense analysis

China's Nuclear Arsenal Grows to Over 600 Warheads, Aims for Over 1,000 by 2030 Amid Corruption and Strengthened Ties with Russia: Pentagon

Dec 18, 2024, 03:34 PM

China's nuclear arsenal has seen a significant expansion, with the Pentagon estimating that the country now possesses over 600 operational nuclear warheads as of mid-2024, a notable increase from the previous year. The Pentagon's annual report on China's military power, released on December 18, 2024, projects that China will have more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, with further growth expected through at least 2035. This expansion is part of a broader military buildup that includes advancements in nuclear capabilities, despite challenges such as corruption within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The report also highlights that corruption allegations have impacted the PLA's progress towards its 2027 modernization goals, with at least 15 senior military and defense industry officials being sacked over graft suspicions between July and December 2023. Additionally, China has strengthened its military ties with Russia over the past year, amidst ongoing tensions with the United States.