WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Pentagon recently published its annual report on China’s military, covering a wide range of issues that have significant implications for China’s national security over the past year. Here are the key highlights:
NUCLEAR WEAPONS:
The report indicates that China currently possesses more than 500 operational nuclear warheads and estimates that this number will exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030. In a previous report, the Pentagon estimated China’s operational nuclear warheads at over 400 in 2021.
MISSILES:
According to the report, China likely completed the construction of three new silo fields in 2022, which house a minimum of 300 new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos. Additionally, China may be exploring the development of conventionally armed intercontinental-range missile systems, which could potentially pose a threat to the United States if realized.
OVERSEAS BASING:
China has been expanding its global military presence, albeit on a smaller scale compared to the United States’ network of bases. The report suggests that China has been considering establishing military logistics facilities in countries such as Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Tajikistan.
SHIPS:
China already boasts the world’s largest navy, and it continues to grow. The report states that China’s navy currently comprises over 370 ships and submarines, an increase from the 340 reported in last year’s report. Furthermore, it is expected that the number of ships will rise to 395 by 2025 and 435 by 2030.
U.S. ASSISTANCE:
While the report emphasizes China’s general disregard or denial of the United States’ military-to-military talks, it does highlight a specific occasion when China requested U.S. assistance. In April 2023, the Chinese military sought U.S. help in evacuating its diplomats from Khartoum, Sudan, and the U.S. military provided evacuation routes, as stated in the report.
(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Michael Martina; Editing by Leslie Adler)
