In recent years, Beijing has significantly ramped up its strategic nuclear weapons program, setting an ambitious goal of deploying 1,500 nuclear warheads within the next five years. This could place China on par with nuclear superpowers like the U.S. and Russia.

According to Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, China, which previously maintained a relatively modest arsenal of 300 warheads, is now aggressively expanding its capabilities. He noted that China’s nuclear buildup is creating an entirely new geopolitical landscape, one the world has not faced before. Stavridis suggested this could lead to a “triangle” of nuclear powers, comprising the U.S., Russia, and China.

China’s arsenal growth is closely tied to heightened U.S. military activity in the region, including strengthened defenses for Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Experts believe China’s nuclear expansion is not just a response to threats but part of a broader deterrence strategy. In this context, China aims to solidify its position, preventing the U.S. and its allies from dominating a region critical to its interests.