China is at it again. According to a Pentagon report, the Asian superpower is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal, and the number of warheads is expected to double by 2030.
The report comes as tensions between China and the United States escalate. Beijing’s aggressive military posturing, especially in the South China Sea, have been a major point of contention. But while the United States has tried to counter Chinese behavior with diplomatic measures, it is clear that Beijing has no desire to back down.
The report paints a picture of an ever-increasing Chinese nuclear arsenal. Currently, the country has an estimated 350 warheads, and that number is expected to double by 2030. What makes this even more alarming is that Beijing is also building a much more advanced nuclear arsenal.
For example, Chinese submarines now have longer range and precision-guided missiles with a range of up to 3,400 miles. In addition, the country is upgrading its land-based and air-launched missiles with improved maneuvering capabilities and a range of up to 9,300 miles.
What makes this even more concerning is that these weapons can be fitted with multiple warheads, theoretically giving China the capability to launch multiple nuclear strikes at once. The report also notes that Chinese military modernization has been ‘unprecedented’ in the peacetime period since the end of the Cold War.
These developments further add to the grave concerns expressed by the United States and its allies about Chinese military expansion. With the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the improved capability of its military, Beijing is creating an environment of fear and instability.
At this rate, the world will soon see a nuclear arms race between China and the United States, as each country continues to upgrade its weapons and positioning. This is not a situation anyone wants to see, and it is yet another reminder of how important it is to remain vigilant and diplomatically engaged.
