China will have an arsenal of 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035 if the country continues to arm itself at the same rate as now, the US Department of Defense believes.
The data appeared in the Pentagon’s annual report on the Chinese military, presented in late November, according to Reuters.
The report underscored growing US concern about China’s intentions for its nuclear arsenal, although there are no indications that China will increase the pace of its nuclear arsenal.
– Careless
He sold
In a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Defense, China now reacts strongly. Spokesman Tan Kefei refers to the report’s content as “unfounded speculation” that paints a distorted picture of China’s defense policy.
Kefei then launches a powerful attack against the United States and accuses the authorities of creating “unrest and disaster” in the world.
– Facts have proved time and time again that the United States is the biggest troublemaker and destroyer of world peace and stability, says the Chinese spokesman.
SPEAKER: Tan Kefei of the Chinese Ministry of Defense. Photo: NTB/AP Photo/Heng Sinith
sea View
According to the report, which mainly deals with China’s military activity in 2021, the country currently has an arsenal of more than 400 nuclear warheads.
– They have such a rapid accumulation that it is not possible to keep it hidden, a Pentagon official said at the press conference where the report on the Chinese military was presented.
Personal defence
China has previously stressed that its arsenal is small compared to what the US and Russia have. The Chinese authorities have also declared their readiness for dialogue, but only if the United States reduces its nuclear arsenal to China’s level.
In the statement, Kefei stressed that China’s nuclear strategy is to use it solely for self-defense. However, he made it clear that China is ready to use force against Taiwan if necessary.
– The Chinese military has the confidence and capabilities to fight off any outside interference and try to make Taiwan independent and achieve full reunification of the motherland, Kefei said.
The US currently has around 5,400 nuclear warheads while Russia has just under 6,000, according to independent US think tank Federation of American Scientists.
