Official Chinese military announcements, international defense reports

China Expands Nuclear Arsenal to 600 Warheads, Targets 1,000 by 2030 Amid ICBM Development and Cognitive Warfare: Pentagon Report

Dec 18, 2024, 03:30 PM

China has significantly expanded its nuclear arsenal, adding hundreds of new missiles and increasing its operational nuclear warheads from 500 to 600 in the past year, according to a Pentagon report made public on Wednesday. The report also notes that China is on track to possess over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, with plans to continue growing its nuclear forces through at least 2035. This rapid expansion is part of a broader military buildup, which includes the development of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and a focus on cognitive warfare to influence adversaries' decision-making and societal cohesion. The Pentagon also highlighted ongoing corruption issues within the Chinese military, which could impact the pace of its modernization efforts.