China now holds around 500–600 nuclear warheads, showing the fastest growth among all nuclear-armed countries, according to the Sipri Yearbook 2025. The Stockholm-based institute highlighted that China is not just increasing numbers but also improving delivery systems, such as long-range missiles and submarines. Analysts warn this could intensify nuclear competition globally.
The report noted that China is building or has already built around 350 missile silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). If this pace continues, China could match the U.S. and Russia in ICBM count by 2030, though its total warhead stock would still be much smaller—projected at 1,500 by 2035, compared to over 5,000 each for the U.S. and Russia.
Despite the rising numbers, China denies any involvement in an arms race. Its foreign ministry insists that China’s nuclear policy remains defensive and based on minimal deterrence. It also maintains a “no first use” doctrine, meaning it will not launch nuclear weapons unless attacked first. However, growing secrecy around China’s nuclear strategy has raised suspicion among global powers.
The report also showed that all nine nuclear-armed countries continued to modernize their arsenals in 2024. While the total number of nuclear warheads globally dropped slightly to 12,121, many old warheads were replaced with newer, more advanced versions. The U.S. and Russia still possess 90% of the world’s nukes, despite arms control talks remaining stalled.
Meanwhile, India and Pakistan continued building their arsenals, with India now at around 180 warheads and Pakistan at 170. North Korea is believed to have 50 warheads, with enough material to double that. Israel, though undeclared, is estimated to have 90 warheads, showing signs of further technical upgrades.
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