“China has significantly expanded its nuclear stockpile over the past year and is now holding some 500 operational warheads, the US has said,” according to BBC Oct. 19, 2023. China’s annual report by the Pentagon indicates that it aims to double its nuclear arsenal to over 1,000 warheads by 2030, surpassing projections. However, the report also notes that China remains committed to a “no-first strike” policy. President Xi Jinping has declared China will field a “world-class military” by 2049. The report also notes that Beijing has increased diplomatic, political, and military pressure against Taiwan, with President Xi ordering his defense chiefs to develop the military capability to forcibly retake the island by 2027.
World Map: China 10/19/23
October 27, 2023
About the Contributor
Grace Dannemiller, International News Corespondent
Hello! my name is Grace Dannemiller. I am the International News Correspondent. This is my second year on staff. In my free time I have been writing and public speaking about neurodiversity and mental health. I hope to continue to pursue my passion for journalism as a career one day.