Official announcements from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Defense

Pentagon's 182-Page China Military Power Report Highlights 1,000 Operational Nuclear Warheads and Advances in AI

Dec 21, 2024, 11:41 AM

The U.S. Department of Defense has released its annual China Military Power Report, highlighting advancements in China's military capabilities, particularly in aerial technology, artificial intelligence, and space. The report, which is the 24th of its kind, indicates that China's military is becoming increasingly capable amid ongoing corruption issues within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The report claims that China could possess 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030 and emphasizes the integration of AI and quantum computing into conventional military systems. In response, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of National Defense expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition to the report, accusing the U.S. of distorting China's national defense policies and using military superiority to maintain global hegemony. The spokesperson also criticized the Pentagon's report as deceptive and hypocritical, asserting that it exacerbates tensions and promotes a confrontational military strategy.