China is modernizing and expanding its arms stockpile the fastest (Photo: Reuters)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. China has deployed more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in three different regions, rapidly expanding its strategic military capabilities. This claim has been made in a draft report of the US Defense Ministry Pentagon, which has highlighted Beijing's growing military ambitions and distance from arms control talks.
According to the report, China is modernizing and expanding its weapons stockpile at the fastest rate compared to other nuclear powers in the world. The Pentagon says it does not see any significant interest from Beijing in arms control or comprehensive nuclear disarmament talks. Specifically, the report claims that China has deployed more than 100 solid-fuel DF-31-class ICBMs in silo areas near the border with Mongolia.
Earlier, the Pentagon had informed about the existence of these silo areas, but the number of missiles in them was not disclosed. However, the report does not mention the possible targets of these missiles and also says that changes are possible before it is sent to Parliament.
China has more than 600 nuclear weapons
According to the report, China's number of nuclear weapons by 2024 is estimated at a little more than 600, which reflects a slower pace of production than in previous years.
Despite this, the Pentagon estimates that China could achieve its goal of more than 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. China has consistently reiterated that its nuclear policy is based on self-defense and follows the principle of 'no first use'. China eyes America on the pretext of Taiwan This report has come at a time when US President Donald Trump had recently expressed the possibility of working on a nuclear disarmament plan with China and Russia.
At the same time, the report also says that China is preparing to gain the capability to fight and win the war on Taiwan by 2027. According to the Pentagon, Beijing is further refining its military options for taking control of Taiwan by force, which could also include a far-reaching attack that challenges the US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
(With inputs from news agency Reuters)