China achieves significant nuclear arsenal growth with over 600 warheads

In June 2025, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released a report highlighting significant developments in China's nuclear weapons program. The report indicated that China's nuclear warhead count had reached a minimum of 600, marking a substantial increase compared to previous years. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by a long-term strategic objective to enhance China's nuclear deterrent capabilities and assert its influence in global security affairs. SIPRI noted that China has been actively constructing ICBM silos and bolstering its missile capabilities to narrow the gap with established nuclear powers. Although China's total nuclear stockpile remains smaller than those of the United States and Russia, it is accelerating its intercontinental ballistic missile development, potentially challenging the nuclear balance by 2030. This trend has raised concerns among global leaders, especially in light of China's intention to achieve parity with the nuclear capabilities of the United States and Russia. The findings have prompted calls for trilateral arms control discussions and reevaluations of existing nuclear agreements, as experts caution that the current trajectory may lead to a new arms race. With the continuing modernization and expansion of nuclear arsenals, the global security landscape faces a growing risk of conflict amid increasing geopolitical tension.