Washington D.C. – The United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) has indicated that China has likely deployed approximately 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) across its three newest launch facilities. The assessment, part of a draft report, suggests a significant expansion of China’s nuclear capabilities and a reluctance to engage in arms reduction talks.
The report highlights China’s rapidly modernizing military and its growing ambitions on the global stage. It states that China has potentially stationed over 100 DF-31 solid-fuel ICBMs at missile storage facilities near its border with Mongolia. These sites represent the latest additions to a network of missile storage installations under construction.
China is reportedly upgrading and expanding its arsenal at a pace exceeding that of any other nuclear power. Beijing has previously dismissed reports of its military build-up as attempts to “smear its reputation and deliberately mislead the international community.”
Last month, the US President suggested exploring a potential nuclear disarmament plan involving China and Russia. However, the Pentagon’s draft report indicates that Beijing appears uninterested in such initiatives.
“We continue to see no willingness from Beijing to take such actions or engage in comprehensive arms limitation discussions,” the report stated.
The Pentagon has declined to comment on the draft report. The Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The draft report does not specify potential targets for these missiles. US officials have indicated that the report is subject to revision before being submitted to lawmakers.
The Pentagon report also noted that China’s stockpile of nuclear warheads remained around 600 in 2024, reflecting a slower production rate compared to previous years. However, the report emphasizes that China’s nuclear expansion is ongoing, with projections indicating a potential for over 1,000 warheads by 2030.
China maintains that it adheres to a “nuclear strategy of self-defense” and follows a policy of “no first use” of nuclear weapons. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
