China’s Nuclear Arsenal Expands to 600 Warheads, Sparking Global Concerns
China’s nuclear warhead count rose by an estimated 100 in 2024, reaching 600, surpassing all other nations in expansion rate, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Despite a slight overall global decrease to 12,241 warheads, the report highlights a worrying new nuclear arms race. The US and Russia possess the largest arsenals, holding 5,177 and 5,459 warheads respectively. China’s Foreign Ministry countered these findings, asserting that its nuclear arsenal remains minimal and solely for national security.
John Q. Hosedrinker