Washington: China has likely loaded more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles into newly built silo fields according to a draft report prepared by the United States Department of Defense. The assessment marks one of the strongest indications yet of the rapid expansion of China’s nuclear forces.
The report says the missiles are believed to be solid fueled systems deployed across three large silo fields in northern China close to the border with Mongolia. These sites were first identified through satellite imagery in recent years but this is the first time the Pentagon has assessed that many of the silos may already be operational and armed.
US officials say the development shows how quickly China is modernising its nuclear arsenal. Pentagon estimates suggest China had a little over 600 nuclear warheads last year and that number could rise beyond 1,000 by the end of the decade if current trends continue.
The report also notes that China is expanding its ability to produce nuclear warheads and delivery systems across land sea and air platforms. US defence planners believe this is part of a broader effort to strengthen China’s strategic deterrence and increase its military options in any future regional conflict including a possible crisis over Taiwan.
China has repeatedly rejected US assessments of its nuclear programme. Beijing maintains that its nuclear forces are defensive in nature and that it follows a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. Chinese officials have accused Washington of exaggerating the threat to justify increased military spending and alliances in the Asia Pacific region.
The Pentagon report also highlights the lack of progress on nuclear arms control talks. US officials say China has so far shown little interest in joining broader discussions aimed at limiting nuclear weapons at a time when existing global arms control agreements are weakening.
While the report is still in draft form and could be revised before being submitted to US lawmakers analysts say it reflects growing concern in Washington about entering a new era of three way nuclear competition involving the United States China and Russia.
The findings are expected to add urgency to debates in Congress and among US allies about how to respond to China’s expanding military capabilities while avoiding further escalation between the world’s major powers.