China Responds to SIPRI Report on Nuclear Arsenal Growth
Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasizes self-defense strategy amidst claims of increased nuclear warheads by Swedish think tank.
On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry addressed allegations made in the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2025, which stated that China's nuclear arsenal is expanding by approximately 100 warheads annually.
SIPRI estimates that China currently possesses around 600 nuclear warheads, placing it third globally, and asserts that this growth rate surpasses that of any other nation.
During a regular press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated China's commitment to a defensive nuclear strategy and its long-standing no-first-use policy regarding nuclear weapons.
Guo emphasized that China maintains its nuclear capabilities at a minimum level required for national security and does not engage in an arms race.
In its Yearbook, SIPRI warns of an emerging nuclear arms race while existing arms control frameworks face significant challenges.
The report highlights a global inventory of approximately 12,241 nuclear warheads, with around 9,614 of these in military stockpiles for potential use, predominantly held by Russia and the United States.
SIPRI's assessment indicates that even if China were to increase its stockpile to a projected maximum of 1,500 warheads by 2035, this total would still be about one-third of the arsenals possessed by Russia and the United States.
Hans M. Kristensen, an Associate Senior Fellow with SIPRI's Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, noted in 2024 that nearly all nuclear-armed states are either pursuing plans or demonstrating a commitment to augmenting their nuclear capabilities.
Zhang Junshe, a recognized military affairs expert in China, has suggested that SIPRI's data reflects a Western narrative that exaggerates the nature and pace of China's nuclear advancements, contributing to the so-called 'China threat' rhetoric.
Zhang underscored that despite claims of rapid expansion, China's nuclear arsenal remains substantially smaller than those of the US and Russia, aligning with its policy of maintaining the minimum necessary for national defense.
Zhang also indicated that if there are calls for China to engage in nuclear disarmament negotiations, such discussions should not overlook the disparities in nuclear capabilities.
He posited that a fair approach would entail the US and Russia reducing their arsenals to align more closely with China's current stockpile.
China's firm adherence to its no-first-use policy distinguishes it as the only major nuclear power to have made such a commitment.
Zhang reiterated that China’s military developments, including those involving nuclear capabilities, are grounded in a defensive strategy aimed at safeguarding its legitimate security interests and contributing to global peace and stability.
SIPRI estimates that China currently possesses around 600 nuclear warheads, placing it third globally, and asserts that this growth rate surpasses that of any other nation.
During a regular press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated China's commitment to a defensive nuclear strategy and its long-standing no-first-use policy regarding nuclear weapons.
Guo emphasized that China maintains its nuclear capabilities at a minimum level required for national security and does not engage in an arms race.
In its Yearbook, SIPRI warns of an emerging nuclear arms race while existing arms control frameworks face significant challenges.
The report highlights a global inventory of approximately 12,241 nuclear warheads, with around 9,614 of these in military stockpiles for potential use, predominantly held by Russia and the United States.
SIPRI's assessment indicates that even if China were to increase its stockpile to a projected maximum of 1,500 warheads by 2035, this total would still be about one-third of the arsenals possessed by Russia and the United States.
Hans M. Kristensen, an Associate Senior Fellow with SIPRI's Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, noted in 2024 that nearly all nuclear-armed states are either pursuing plans or demonstrating a commitment to augmenting their nuclear capabilities.
Zhang Junshe, a recognized military affairs expert in China, has suggested that SIPRI's data reflects a Western narrative that exaggerates the nature and pace of China's nuclear advancements, contributing to the so-called 'China threat' rhetoric.
Zhang underscored that despite claims of rapid expansion, China's nuclear arsenal remains substantially smaller than those of the US and Russia, aligning with its policy of maintaining the minimum necessary for national defense.
Zhang also indicated that if there are calls for China to engage in nuclear disarmament negotiations, such discussions should not overlook the disparities in nuclear capabilities.
He posited that a fair approach would entail the US and Russia reducing their arsenals to align more closely with China's current stockpile.
China's firm adherence to its no-first-use policy distinguishes it as the only major nuclear power to have made such a commitment.
Zhang reiterated that China’s military developments, including those involving nuclear capabilities, are grounded in a defensive strategy aimed at safeguarding its legitimate security interests and contributing to global peace and stability.
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