China has deployed more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles at new sites and shows no intention of participating in arms control negotiations. Beijing continues to expand its nuclear arsenal and is preparing military scenarios for seizing Taiwan, according to a US Department of Defense report.
According to the document, China has deployed more than 100 DF-31 intercontinental ballistic missiles at sites near the border with Mongolia. The US Department of Defense previously reported the existence of these sites but did not specify the exact number of missiles stationed there.
The report states that as of 2024, China’s nuclear arsenal would total approximately 600 warheads. Although production has slowed somewhat compared to previous years, the overall trend of expansion continues. According to US military projections, Beijing plans to have more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.
“We continue to observe a lack of willingness on the part of Beijing to take action or engage in more comprehensive arms control negotiations,” the report states.
It notes that China expects to fight and defeat Taiwan by the end of 2027.
One scenario involves bombing the island from a range of 1,500-2,000 nautical miles. The report notes that a large number of such strikes could seriously complicate and undermine the US presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which is a key deterrent.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied these claims, stating that China pursues a defensive nuclear strategy, maintains its forces at the minimum level necessary for national security, and complies with its commitments to a moratorium on nuclear testing.