Rising Tensions: China's Nuclear Expansion Amid Taiwan Concerns
China is ramping up its nuclear capabilities in response to potential threats and directives from leader Xi Jinping. Despite its public 'no first use' policy, its military strategy might consider nuclear action in extreme situations threatening regime survival, as reported by U.S. military and arms control experts.
China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, driven by Xi Jinping's directive for the military to be ready to act on Taiwan by 2027, observers say. This development includes land, air, and sea launch capabilities, marking a significant increase in China's nuclear might.
While China's defense policy maintains a "no first use" nuclear stance, the Pentagon's 2023 report suggests this could change under certain conditions threatening the regime's stability. The potential first-use policy shift is tied to conventional attacks affecting China's military command and control, or in scenarios posing existential threats.
Tensions are exacerbated by China's pace in expanding its weapon stockpile, surpassing all other nuclear-armed nations. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists noted rapid development in missile silos and launchers, estimating an upgrade to over 1,000 warheads by 2030, fueled by regional threats and global power dynamics.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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