Huge nuclear arms push by China would worry neighbours, analysts warn, as US report sees 1,500 warheads by 2035
- Latest Pentagon report on Chinese military says PLA is on track to quadruple number of nuclear warheads by 2035
- China must see how this could stir fears in the region, pushing neighbours to raise defence budgets and seek greater US presence, say observers
06:23
Xi Jinping charts China’s future course at 20th party congress
According to the US defence department, an important element of China’s strategy is “a determined pursuit to amass and expand its national power” to transform aspects of the international system to make it more favourable to the Chinese political system and national interests.
Another element is strengthening the People’s Liberation Army’s strategic deterrence capabilities, it added.
China is fast boosting its nuclear power and is on track to nearly quadruple its number of warheads to 1,500 by 2035, thus rapidly closing its gap with the US, the report said.
Dismissing the claim, the Chinese foreign ministry said the exaggerated number is Washington’s excuse to develop its own military power.
