China's nuclear arsenal expanding faster than before, currently at 500 warheads: US Report
India TV NewsChina has significantly expanded its nuclear arsenal over the past year to more than 500 operational warheads, on track to exceed previous projections, and is working "slightly faster than estimated" to achieve its goal of having 1,000 warheads by 2030, according to a report by the US Department of Defense. "In 2022, Beijing continued its rapid nuclear expansion, and DoD estimates that the PRC possessed more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023—on track to exceed previous projections," the report said. However, the Pentagon report noted that China's nuclear force usage is based on "deterrence" of an enemy first strike and "counterstrike" when deterrence fails, threatening retaliation against an adversary’s military capability, population, and economy. Taiwan and South China Sea The report highlighted China's increased provocative and destabilising actions in and around the Taiwan Strait throughout 2022, including ballistic missile overflights and increased flights into Taiwan's air defence identification zone. It conducted multiple coercive actions against the Philippines in the South China Sea, including "cutting the tow line of a Philippine Navy vessel, executing dangerous maneuvers in close proximity to Philippine vessels; and reportedly reclaiming several unoccupied land features".