China Rapidly Expands and Modernizes Its Nuclear Arsenal at Unprecedented Pace
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal at an unprecedented pace, according to a U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report. The report warns that growing capabilities could boost Chinese leaders’ confidence and increase the risk of dangerous mistakes—raising the potential for escalation in the coming years.
China is rapidly advancing its nuclear capabilities at a faster rate than any time in history, surpassing 2018 projections with over 500 deliverable warheads, according to the DIA report.
The report “Nuclear Challenges” projects that by 2030, China will have over 1,000 operational warheads, with most capable of reaching the continental United States.
“China is undergoing the most rapid expansion and ambitious modernization of its nuclear forces in history — almost certainly driven by an aim for enduring strategic competition with the U.S. and a goal to actualize intensified strategic concepts that have existed for decades but are now being realized,” the report said.
In addition to expanding its nuclear arsenal, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has undertaken a sweeping modernization campaign, achieving several key milestones over the past five years.
China has established the air leg of its nuclear triad with the H-6N bomber, capable of aerial refueling and carrying nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missiles, first showcased in the 2019 Chinese National Day parade.
China has expanded its arsenal of road-mobile DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), dubbed the “Guam killer” for their ability to target U.S. forces on the Pacific island. According to the report, these missiles represent Beijing’s first precision-strike nuclear-capable weapons.
China’s military has added two more Type 094 JIN-class submarines, increasing the fleet to six. It has also upgraded its missile systems with the longer-range JL-3 submarine-launched missile, which can reach the U.S. from secure areas like the South China Sea.
The report detailed how China has also deployed the DF-31 road-mobile Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) with enhanced survivability and introduced the DF-41, its first road-mobile ICBM equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This weapon can carry up to three warheads and offers greater range and accuracy than earlier models.
Finally, the report warned that as China strengthens its nuclear capabilities, its leaders may become more confident but more prone to dangerous mistakes. The report concluded that with the PLA still figuring out how to use these new weapons effectively, the chances of escalation could increase in the coming years.
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