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The Pentagon says China is using nuclear reactors to produce weapons-grade plutonium, boosting its nuclear capabilities and raising global concerns.
Over the past few years, China has rapidly developed its nuclear weapons arsenal, accumulating more than 600 warheads at full operational capacity.
A Pentagon report estimates that the country will have up to 1.000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030 if it maintains its current annual production rate.
The US government document also details the advancement of China's military program, including the development of a stealth strategic bomber. H-20, and warns of the growing risks of military growth Chinese.
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China's nuclear arsenal expands
The report, presented by the US Department of Defense, highlighted that most of the Chinese warheads are expected to be in “higher readiness levels” in the coming decades.
This strategy is part of the plan of People's Liberation Army (PLA) to completely modernize its forces by 2049.
According to the document, China has about 400 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in its arsenal, in addition to intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and launched from submarines (SLBMs).
The country is also reportedly investing in advanced technologies to expand its attack range, potentially reaching US cities and military installations.
Plutonium production and new reactors
One of the most worrying points raised by the report is the use of fast nuclear reactors to produce weapons-grade plutonium.
Although China claims that these technologies are for peaceful purposes, the Pentagon believes that they are being used for military purposes.
Two CFR-600 reactors, located in Xiapu, are already at an advanced stage. One of them has probably already been completed, while the other remains under construction.
Each reactor could produce enough plutonium for dozens of warheads a year, bolstering China's ability to rapidly expand its nuclear stockpile.
The process involves natural uranium blankets surrounding the fuel core of reactors, creating weapons-grade plutonium. These advances give China a significant advantage in its nuclear arms race.
Modernization of the Air Force
Another crucial point of the report is the strengthening of the Chinese air force, currently the third largest in the world.
With over 3.150 aircraft, 2.400 of which are combat aircraft, the PLA Air Force is approaching US technological standards.
Among the highlights is the H-20 stealth strategic bomber, capable of carrying out nuclear missions and conventional attacks.
This new model, still under development, should expand China's ability to carry out long-range attacks.
In addition, the PLA Air Force is modernizing its fleet with fourth-generation aircraft, which, according to the report, will make it mostly composed of this type of technology in the coming years.
Despite the progress, the H-20 bomber may not be operational before 2030. Still, the acquisition of new medium- and long-range stealth aircraft signals the PLA's intention to expand its regional and global presence.
China's rapid military modernization is seen as a threat to the United States and its allies.
The Pentagon report suggests that China's growing nuclear stockpile, combined with technological advances in delivery systems and stealth aircraft, will allow the country to strike wider, more strategic targets in the event of a conflict.
Probably, with all this military power, the force of mass destruction suggests that the third is getting closer, so the fourth will be with, **** and stones.!
The Americans have been making atomic bombs since 1944 and no one has dared to complain. Well, let the Chinese make theirs. I want to see the sky lit up in the northern hemisphere. Let there be no one left.