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US expects China to reach 1,500-nuclear warhead stockpile by 2035

WASHINGTON, Nov 29 (KUNA) -- The US expects China to own a stockpile of 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035, according to the Pentagon on Tuesday.
The China Military Power Report, conducted by the US Defense Department, outlined China as the "most consequential and systemic challenge" to US national security.
"China has continued to accelerate the modernization, diversification and expansion of its nuclear forces, as well as the development of its space and counterspace capabilities," read the report.
Beijing is undergoing an expansion of its land, maritime, and air nuclear delivery platforms, suggested the report, while aiming to "modernize, diversify, and expand its (nuclear) forces," The pace of these modernisation plans far exceed previous attempts, according to the report, with Pentagon estimates that China increased its stockpile to 400 warheads in 2021.
China's continuous military operations near Taiwan "likely signals a greater urgency" for the improvement of its planning and capabilities as the country looks for military options to achieve its objectives, the report added. (end) asj.sd