How China is expanding its nuclear forces • Table.Briefings

The United States and Russia possess by far the world’s largest nuclear arsenals. But no country is expanding its stockpile faster than China – according to Washington, partly to deter intervention in a potential conflict over Taiwan. Beijing, meanwhile, argues that responsibility for disarmament lies primarily with the largest nuclear powers.

Land-based nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles are presented at the Victory Day military parade on Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2025. (IMAGO / VCG)

Last updated: 17. December 2025