Pentagon: “China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than expected and is considering possibly building a new missile system that can hit targets in the US” | Abroad

At the request of the US Congress, the Pentagon produces an annual report every year that should provide a picture of the growing military potential of China, the country that is considered the most important threat and challenge to US security in the long term.

The US military warned last year that China was expanding its nuclear arsenal much faster than expected. By 2035 it could quadruple its number of nuclear weapons to 1,500 and by mid-century it could match or even surpass the US, it said at the time. By comparison, the US currently has 3,750 active nuclear warheads, while China had more than 500 in May.

The new report says Beijing could have more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s goal is to have a “world-class” army by 2049.

The Pentagon also notes that China is increasing military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan and its neighbors in the region. This is in response to what Beijing sees as American attempts to curb its development. China has vowed to bring Taiwan back under its control, by force if necessary. The army has until 2027 to develop the military capacity that will allow it to annex the island state. The US then supplies billions of dollars worth of weapons to Taiwan so that it can defend itself.

China is now investing billions in its army. According to official figures, expenditure increased by 7.2 percent this year, to 204 billion euros. However, US officials believe the real figure is even higher.

Noteworthy: China also seems to be learning from the war between Russia and Ukraine with a view to invading Taiwan. According to the Pentagon, Beijing is working to become economically and industrially self-sufficient after seeing the impact of Western sanctions on Russia.