China Accelerates Nuclear Expansion with Over 100 New ICBMs Near Mongolia Border
WASHINGTON, D.C. — China has quietly loaded more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) into newly constructed silo fields near its border with Mongolia, marking a significant acceleration in its nuclear arsenal expansion, according to a draft Pentagon report obtained by Reuters. This rapid buildup positions Beijing to surpass 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, outpacing all other nuclear-armed powers in modernization efforts.
The report highlights the deployment of solid-fueled DF-31 missiles, which have been placed inside at least three missile silo fields previously disclosed by U.S. defense officials but not publicly quantified until now. While the Pentagon has refrained from commenting on the draft, the assessment underscores China’s strategic intent to bolster its nuclear deterrent capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Chinese officials have dismissed these findings as attempts to “smear and defame China and deliberately mislead the international community.” Despite President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about potentially pursuing denuclearization talks with China and Russia, the Pentagon report states there is “no appetite from Beijing for pursuing such measures or more comprehensive arms control discussions.”
China’s nuclear warhead stockpile was estimated to be in the low 600s in 2024, but the pace of missile silo construction and missile loading suggests a sharp increase in production and deployment. The report did not specify potential targets for these missiles, and U.S. officials cautioned that the assessment could be revised before formal submission to Congress.
This expansion occurs amid heightened concerns over regional security, particularly regarding Taiwan, which recently unveiled a $40 billion defense spending plan aimed at countering China’s growing military threat. Analysts note that China’s nuclear posture, traditionally characterized by a no-first-use policy and a self-defense strategy, appears increasingly at odds with its aggressive missile deployments and military modernization.
Experts have also pointed to internal challenges within China’s military, including corruption and poor coordination, which may affect the operational readiness of its forces despite the rapid buildup. The Department of Defense continues to monitor these developments closely, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats.
China’s nuclear expansion has implications for global arms control regimes and strategic stability. The U.S. Department of State has long advocated for renewed arms control dialogues, but Beijing’s reluctance complicates diplomatic efforts. The Arms Control Association notes that China’s missile silo construction and warhead stockpile growth challenge existing frameworks designed to limit nuclear proliferation.
As the international community grapples with these shifts, the U.S. government is also focusing on homeland security measures. The Department of Homeland Security continues to enhance border and maritime security to address a broad spectrum of national security concerns, including those posed by evolving global military threats.
The Pentagon’s forthcoming report to Congress is expected to provide further details on China’s nuclear forces and strategic intentions, informing U.S. policy decisions amid a rapidly changing security landscape.
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