China could deploy more than 100 intercontinental missiles in mines
China has allegedly deployed more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles in new missile silos. This is stated in a Pentagon report cited by Reuters.
According to the US defence department, China has completed or almost completed the loading of missiles into three large areas of missile silos. This represents a large-scale expansion of nuclear forces that could significantly alter the strategic balance.
The report notes that the number of China's nuclear warheads could exceed 1,000 by 2030. By comparison, a few years ago, Beijing had a much smaller arsenal and adhered to a more restrained nuclear doctrine.
Analysts point out that the new silos create a more difficult environment for a potential adversary, as they make it harder to determine which launchers are active. This increases the survivability of nuclear forces in the event of a conflict.
China has not officially commented on the details of the report. Beijing has previously stated that it is developing its nuclear forces solely for defensive purposes and does not seek the first use of nuclear weapons.
The United States believes that the pace of China's arsenal build-up is much higher than previous forecasts and requires adjustments to approaches to strategic deterrence in the Asia-Pacific region.
