Beijing: China's nuclear arsenal is expanding at an unprecedented rate, reaching an estimated 600 warheads by early 2025, as reported by an independent international institute. This rapid growth is contributing to a global arms race and raising strategic concerns.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed in its SIPRI Yearbook 2025 that China's nuclear stockpile has been increasing by approximately 100 warheads annually since 2023. The report highlights the emergence of a new and dangerous nuclear arms race amid the weakening of arms control frameworks worldwide.
The SIPRI report further indicates that by January of this year, China had constructed or nearly completed around 350 new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos. This development suggests that China could have an ICBM count comparable to that of Russia or the US by the end of the decade. However, even if China reaches 1,500 warheads by 2035, this would still amount to only about a third of the current Russian and US stockpiles.
Despite these findings, Beijing maintains that its nuclear strategy is focused on self-defense. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized that China keeps its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security and does not engage in an arms race. He reiterated China's policy of no-first use of nuclear weapons and its commitment to not using nuclear arms against non-nuclear states.
The report also points out that nearly all nine nuclear-armed states, including the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel, continued to modernize and expand their nuclear capabilities in 2024. The global nuclear inventory saw a slight decline to 12,241, yet the report expresses concern about the emergence of a "dangerous new nuclear arms race."
Russia and the US remain the dominant nuclear powers, with arsenals comprising 5,459 and 5,177 warheads, respectively, accounting for about 90% of the world's total. Israel, with an unconfirmed arsenal of 90 warheads, is reportedly modernizing its capabilities and upgrading its plutonium production reactor site at Dimona.
North Korea's nuclear stockpile stands at an estimated 50 warheads, with the potential to produce up to 40 more. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan have reportedly expanded their nuclear programs in 2024. India now possesses 180 nuclear warheads, up from 172 last year, and continues to develop new delivery systems. Pakistan, with 170 warheads, is also advancing its delivery systems and accumulating fissile material.
A brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan in May underscored the risks of escalation in the region.