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Pentagon eyes 600 nuclear warheads in China: How the expansion of 350 new silos redefines the global arms race

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 19/12/2024 às 19:45
Pentagon eyes 600 nuclear warheads in China: How the expansion of 350 new silos redefines the global arms race
China currently has an arsenal of approximately 600 nuclear warheads, a significant increase compared to recent years. With ambitious plans, the country aims to surpass the 1.000 warhead mark by 2030, cementing its position as a global nuclear power.

With plans to surpass 1.000 warheads by 2030, China has built 320 silos in the northern deserts and is developing hypersonic technologies that challenge the US. The nuclear race gains a new protagonist.

If the nuclear arms race seemed like a memory from the Cold War, the current reality shows that it is more alive than ever. China, a player that previously operated in the background, is positioning itself as a major player on the global stage. With 600 nuclear warheads and 350 silos in 2024, the country is demonstrating its capacity to influence not only its region, but the entire world. And what does this mean for global geopolitics?

China's expansion of nuclear warheads

The Pentagon has revealed that China has significantly increased its nuclear arsenal, adding 100 warheads in a year. With a total of 600 warheads and 350 silos strategically located in the north of the country, the advance is a milestone. These silos, supplied with Dongfeng-5 missions capable of carrying multiple warheads, highlight China's ambition to strengthen its response and strike capabilities.

Projections suggest that China could surpass 1.000 warheads by 2030. This expansion reflects a shift in the country's traditional defense posture, cementing its position as a major nuclear force. The goal? To build a deterrent network capable of rivaling that of traditional superpowers.

Chinese military modernization strategies

In addition to the warheads, China has built 350 new ballistic missile silos, strategically located in the northern deserts. These silos house Dongfeng-5 missiles, capable of carrying multiple warheads and striking targets thousands of kilometers away.
In addition to the warheads, China has built 350 new ballistic missile silos, strategically located in the northern deserts. These silos house Dongfeng-5 missiles, capable of carrying multiple warheads and striking targets thousands of kilometers away.

Diversifying the nuclear arsenal is one of the pillars of this modernization. Intercontinental missiles (ICBMs) and precision strike options are highlights. Beijing is working on systems with multiple escalation options, making its nuclear force more flexible and unpredictable.

China is investing heavily in innovation. Hypersonic and fractional orbital bombardment systems challenge American missile defenses. In 2021, the country conducted a test combining these technologies, reaffirming its position as a leader in weapons innovation.

The geopolitical influence of Chinese military modernization

China's growing military capabilities raise concerns in the United States. The Pentagon report highlights that modernization Beijing poses significant challenges to American forces, altering the global balance of power.

The Taiwan issue is a key issue. China has stepped up naval and air activity near the island, raising international alarms. However, China's limitations in urban warfare and logistics still make an effective invasion difficult.

US reaction and the role of the Pentagon

The US has strengthened alliances in the Asia-Pacific region and adopted tactics of dispersing forces to make it harder for Chinese attacks. The Pentagon prioritizes advanced technologies to maintain its strategic advantage.

Washington is responding with Project 25, an initiative to modernize its nuclear capabilities. Pressure to invest more in defense is growing, especially in light of China's advance.

The Future of the Nuclear Arms Race

With China emerging as a third major nuclear power, the geopolitical balance becomes more complex. The US and Russia are not the only ones with significant nuclear forces, which reconfigures global dynamics.

This expansion carries enormous risks. Any escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, an arms race requires a cautious and diplomatic approach.

Chinese advance in the nuclear sector redefines the rules of the game. To address this, countries must prioritize diplomatic efforts and arms control agreements. Investing in defense technologies is essential to avoid fatal imbalances.

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Rafaela Fabris

It discusses innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. With over 1.200 articles published in CPG, it provides daily updates on opportunities in the Brazilian job market.

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