Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The Pentagon also warned that a military loss in Taiwan could push China toward breaking it’s own “No First Use” rule.
The Pentagon also warned that a military loss in Taiwan could push China toward breaking it’s own “No First Use” rule.
What is happening?
China is rapidly expanding its nuclear weapons program, according to U.S. military officials and arms control experts, Reuters reports.
This buildup is happening in parallel with a broader enhancement of conventional military capabilities.
Taiwan timeline fuels nuclear ambitions
U.S. Strategic Command chief General Anthony Cotton told Congress in March that Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s directive for the military to be ready to take Taiwan by 2027 is a key driver behind the nuclear expansion.
China’s “No First Use” policy still in place – at least publicly
In its 2023 defense policy, Beijing reaffirmed its long-held “no first use” nuclear stance, vowing never to launch a nuclear strike unless attacked first.
China also pledges not to threaten or target non-nuclear nations with atomic weapons.
Beijing reaffirms self-defense nuclear strategy
Responding to concerns about its expanding arsenal, China’s defense ministry said it remains committed to self-defense and opposes nuclear war altogether.
“A nuclear war cannot be won and must not be waged,” the ministry stated according to Reuters.
U.S. casts doubt on China’s intentions
Despite China’s public assurances, the U.S. Department of Defense believes Beijing may consider using nuclear weapons first if its arsenal, command systems, or leadership are threatened—even by conventional forces.
The Pentagon also warned that a military loss in Taiwan could push China toward a first strike.
Beijing rejects “nuclear threat” accusations
China’s defense ministry has pushed back strongly against U.S. warnings, accusing Washington of “hyping up” the so-called Chinese nuclear threat.
Officials claim this narrative is designed to smear China and mislead global opinion.
China building more warheads – fast
China is modernizing its nuclear stockpile at a pace unmatched by any other nuclear power.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimates China now holds about 600 nuclear warheads and is adding more rapidly.
Hundreds of new silos and mobile bases underway
According to the same source, China is constructing around 350 new missile silos and several bases for mobile launchers.
These facilities support a growing number of land-based missile systems that significantly extend Beijing’s strike capabilities.
Hundreds of missiles could target the U.S.
The People’s Liberation Army has roughly 712 land-based missile launchers, with around 462 capable of reaching the continental United States.
However, not all of these systems are designated for nuclear use, as some are intended for regional, conventional missions.
Nuclear force could double by 2030
The Pentagon projects China could have over 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030.
This expanded arsenal would include everything from low-yield tactical nukes to intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of multi-megaton blasts.
