China's Rapidly Growing Nuclear Arsenal Poses Threat to US, Pentagon Warns

China is projected to double its nuclear warheads to 1,000 by 2030, with over 500 operational warheads as of May 2023, according to a Pentagon report. The report suggests that China is accelerating its nuclear weapons development to counter a "strong enemy," likely referring to the United States. China may also explore conventionally-armed intercontinental-range missile systems, posing a threat to the continental United States. Despite the increase, China's stockpiles remain significantly smaller than those of the US and Russia. The report also highlights China's development of advanced nuclear delivery systems, including a hypersonic glide vehicle, to match US missile defense capabilities. China has rejected US requests for strategic talks on its nuclear weapons buildup.