Indian Journalist Palki Sharma: China Is Rapidly Expanding Its Nuclear Capabilities, Aiming For 1,000 Nukes By 2030 Compared To Today's 600; It Is In The Midst Of A Military Buildup That Challenges The U.S.

During a December 19, 2024 episode of the "Vantage" show on First Post (India), Indian journalist Palki Sharma said that China is in the midst of a military build-up that is challenging the United States. On the subject of China's nuclear arsenal, she commented: "With over 600 operational nuclear warheads and a projected arsenal of 1,000 by 2030, Beijing is rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities."

Palki Sharma: "Our next story is from China. The Chinese economy is also under pressure, but President Xi Jinping is prioritizing his military. Despite China's economic struggles, he is pushing for nuclear dominance. New details have emerged about China's nuclear program. Beijing now has more than 600 operational nuclear warheads. Last year China had 500 such warheads so in 12 months they've added 100, and they're not done yet. Beijing aims to have more than 1,000 warheads by 2030. Experts say this is the most dramatic military buildup since the Second World War. So what is driving China's nuclear expansion? Our next report has the answers."

Narrator: "In 2021, these satellite images of China's deserts had shocked the world. They revealed how quickly the Chinese were ramping up their nuclear capabilities in three locations. Beijing was building at least 250 new long-range missile silos. The message was clear. China's nuclear policy is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Minimum deterrence is no longer enough. China wants to project strength by significantly expanding its nuclear arsenal.

"Three years later, alarm bells are ringing once again. The Americans have put together a report. It explores the scale of China's nuclear expansion. The findings are alarming. As of May this year, China had over 600 operational warheads by 2030, this number could grow to at least 1,000. What's driving this buildup? One possible reason could be Taiwan. Xi Jinping has asked his military to be war ready by 2027. More advanced capabilities, especially on the nuclear front, would bring the PLA closer to this goal. Despite the expansion, China's arsenal is modest. Both Russia and the U.S. have over 5,000 nuclear warheads each. China's goal to secure 1,000 nukes may seem small in comparison, but it is still significant. Beijing is trying to achieve some clear objectives, it wants more powerful weapons, weapons which can strike a wide range of targets."