There is no sign out of China that they actually intend to do so, but the Pentagon report released Tuesday claims that in the course of a modernization of Chinese nuclear weapons, they could double the number of nuclear warheads they have in the next decade.
The report notes the warheads are “capable of threatening the US,” and argues that the very ability to grow their arsenal suggests a long-term intention to do so, and that would mean China is moving away from its existing defensive posture.
All of this is purely hypothetical, with the Pentagon drawing conclusions on what China would do based on what the US would do in a similar situation. It would also fit the narrative from the administration which is aiming to get China involved in nuclear arms limitation talks.
China has rejected the talks, saying that with the US and Russia in the 3,500 warhead range, China’s less than 300 are hardly a blip, and hardly worth negotiating over. Even if China doubles to over 500, they would still be a bit player in any such talks, and that’s again based on nothing but Pentagon supposition.
Just what the world needs: more nukes.
China is estimated to have a total arsenal of 400 nuclear warheads with something between 200 to 300 actually serviceable. If by ‘doubling’, you mean a modern arsenal of 400 active warheads, who could blame them?
We have 4,000 total warheads with 1,800 active warheads under START which is about to expire.
Then they shouldn’t even bother. But they are too dumb to stop.
Pentagon also claims it can’t balance it’s checkbook cause it can’t find a pen.
“amerikans have been liars and braggarts for 3 centuries”. Daniel boorstin