He United States Department of Defense revealed on Wednesday in an annual report a significant growth in China’s nuclear arsenal and military capabilitiesdespite recent corruption scandals that have affected the upper echelons of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). According to the report, the chinese navy continues to transform into a global force, expanding its operational reach beyond East Asia.
The Pentagon estimates that China has increased its nuclear arsenal by 100 warheads since last year, and that could exceed 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. Although these figures are still lower than those of the United States y Russiawhich They deploy 1,550 strategic nuclear weapons each under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the report notes that Beijing ha significantly accelerated the rate of their accumulation under the leadership of Xi Jinping.
The report highlights that China could be exploring the production of intercontinental ballistic missiles equipped with conventional weapons, adding a new option along with its 135 long-range nuclear missiles to threaten the continental United States.
Furthermore, according to data collected by The New York Timesthe Pentagon stated that China has completed the construction of three missile fields with 320 silos in the country’s northern deserts, some of which are already equipped with Dongfeng-5 missilescapable of launch multiple warheads nuclear weapons against an enemy.
As for Russia, the report claims that China has supported Russia’s war against Ukraine and sold it dual-use products on which Moscow’s military industry depends. Dual-use products can be used for both civil and military purposes.
Despite progress, the Chinese military faces a series of corruption scandals. According to the report, Admiral Miao Huamember of the Central Military Commission —the body that controls the EPL— was recently suspended for alleged “serious violations of discipline”. Likewise, the generals Li Shangfu y Wei Fenghewho served as defense ministers, were accused of accepting bribes and selling military promotions.
The report also noted that Xi abruptly replaced two commanders of the PLA Rocket Forcewhich oversees almost all of the country’s nuclear missiles. While corruption could have affected some key projects, such as the construction of missile silos, the Pentagon believes any problems have been resolved.
According to the teacher Andrew S. Ericksonfrom the United States Naval War College, the scandals represent “an obstacle, not an impediment” for China’s military modernization plans. “With some of the world’s greatest military resources at his command, Xi presses forward with determination,” the professor reported, according to the newspaper.
The report highlights that much of Chinese military planning is focused on Taiwanthe democratic and autonomous island that Beijing claims as part of its territory. Although China has stepped up air and naval raids near the island, the Pentagon concluded that the PLA still lacks key capabilities, such as long-range logistics and urban warfare expertise, necessary for an invasion.
Beijing’s leaders have long said they want to peacefully absorb Taiwan into China, but they have also signaled that they could resort to warhe warned The New York Times.
A Amphibious invasion of Taiwan would be a “significant political and military risk” for the Communist Party and Xi Jinping, even if they managed to overcome initial Taiwanese defenses, the report said. However, military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan remains a strategic priority for Beijing.
Faced with the Chinese military strengthening, the administration of Joe Biden has intensified its security alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent agreements allow US forces to position themselves on small strategic islands and bolster capabilities to respond to potential aggression, including the deployment of cruise missiles and anti-ship weapons.
The Pentagon report could influence the agenda of the next US administration, led by Donald Trumpwho will take office in January 2025, even in the midst of the war in Ukraine and instability in Middle Eastassured the American media.
The Pentagon report highlights that China’s force modernization suggests that seeks the ability to deal much higher levels of overwhelming damage to an adversary in a nuclear exchange.
China’s “expanding nuclear force will allow it to target more American cities, military installations and leadership sites than ever before in a potential nuclear counterstrike,” he added.
The New York Times reported that Xi Jinping has prioritized this development more than any previous Chinese leaderpromoting a unprecedented military transformation.
