China has made a significant leap in its nuclear capabilities, now boasting over 600 operational warheads, the Pentagon revealed on Wednesday. This marks a dramatic escalation in Beijing’s nuclear ambitions, adding about 100 warheads to its arsenal in just one year and enabling it to target more U.S. cities, military installations, and leadership sites than ever before.
Beijing’s Big Nuclear Push
The Pentagon’s annual report on China’s military power underscores the pace and scope of Beijing’s nuclear modernization efforts. With its eyes set on achieving a “world-class” military by 2049, China has not only increased its warhead count but has also enhanced its delivery systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of striking anywhere in the contiguous United States (CONUS).
China’s nuclear arsenal now includes 550 launchers for 400 ICBMs—a 50-launcher increase from last year. Among these are 320 silos in northern China and additional silos under construction in the southeastern mountains, as noted by the Federation of American Scientists.
Tom Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submariner, highlighted the rapid transformation on X (formerly Twitter): “With 400 ICBMs, China now has as many as the U.S.’s 400 deployed Minuteman III’s—a situation I could scarcely have imagined just a few years ago.”
The Big Picture: A Changing Global Order
China’s nuclear expansion comes amid rising tensions with the U.S., positioning Beijing as a formidable challenge to Washington’s global military dominance. The report reveals that China is working toward a diversified nuclear force, ranging from low-yield, precision-strike missiles to high-yield ICBMs, capable of engaging in multi-tiered nuclear counterstrikes.
A senior U.S. defense official described this shift: “China is building a diversified nuclear force with capabilities at every rung of the escalation ladder—a stark departure from their traditional reliance on minimal deterrence.”
This modernization effort is likely to continue well into 2035, with estimates suggesting China could exceed 1,000 operational warheads by 2030, many at heightened readiness levels.
ICBMs: A Game-Changer
Intercontinental ballistic missiles have become a cornerstone of China’s strategic deterrence. With a range exceeding 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles), these missiles can strike deep into the U.S., with Beijing and Washington, D.C., separated by 6,900 miles. The addition of these powerful weapons signals Beijing’s readiness to challenge the U.S. not only regionally but globally.
How the U.S. Stacks Up
The U.S. nuclear arsenal remains larger, with 3,748 warheads, including operational and non-operational units, according to the Department of Energy. However, the Pentagon’s focus is now on countering two strategic competitors—China and Russia—simultaneously. The U.S. maintains 450 silos for its Minuteman III ICBMs, with 400 actively loaded and 50 reserved for stored missiles.
Tensions on the Rise
As Beijing accelerates its nuclear buildup, arms control talks between China and the U.S. have stalled, increasing the risk of miscalculations and an arms race. Meanwhile, the U.S. is modernizing its own nuclear arsenal to ensure parity with both China and Russia, the latter of which boasts the world’s largest nuclear stockpile.
China’s call for a “no-first-use” nuclear policy in October has done little to assuage U.S. concerns, as Beijing’s actions suggest it is preparing for overwhelming retaliatory capabilities and a more aggressive nuclear posture.
What’s Next?
The growing nuclear competition between China and the U.S. has reshaped the global strategic landscape, raising fears of an arms race and further destabilization. As Beijing continues to expand its arsenal, the U.S. faces mounting pressure to maintain its edge while addressing the dual threats posed by China and Russia.
The question remains: will this nuclear surge prompt renewed arms control talks, or are the world’s superpowers barreling toward an era of unchecked proliferation?