China's nuclear arsenal estimated at 600 warheads

A U.S. think tank, the Federation of American Scientists, has reported that China currently has about 600 nuclear warheads. The report indicates that while China is rapidly modernizing its nuclear arsenal, it still does not match the nuclear power of the United States. The findings come after President Trump suggested that China and Russia join discussions to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. In response, China has emphasized that the U.S. should prioritize its own nuclear reductions, highlighting America's larger arsenal. Beijing argues that it has developed nuclear weapons in reaction to perceived threats. The report notes that most of China's nuclear warheads are not yet deployed. Currently, 24 are operational, as per the Federation of American Scientists. In contrast, the U.S. has 3,748 nuclear warheads, including various operational statuses. The Pentagon predicts that China's arsenal could go beyond 1,000 warheads by 2030, but the think tank asserts that this would still be far below the U.S. stockpile. China's nuclear strategy includes a commitment to "no first use" of nuclear weapons. However, the think tank suggests that this policy may vary in high-stakes situations, such as a conflict over Taiwan, which China considers its territory. The Federation of American Scientists warns that in extreme circumstances, China may consider using nuclear weapons first if its regime's survival is threatened after a conventional military loss. The future of U.S.-China arms control talks remains uncertain. These discussions have been stalled since last summer, largely due to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.