China has over 500 operational nuclear warheads: Pentagon report

Washington: The Pentagon’s annual report on China’s military capability says that the Asian giant has more than 500 nuclear warheads, which will reach over 1,000 by 2030.

Beijing as per a previous report in 2021 had more than 400 nuclear warheads in its possession.

The report touching on ‘wide-ranging issues concerning China’s national security' detailed the operational nuclear warheads, missiles and ships in its arsenal.

After constructing three new silo fields in 2022, China has now at least 300 new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos.

In the event of China developing the conventionally armed intercontinental-rage missile systems, potentially exploring now, the country will be able to target the US, the report warned, Reuters reported.

China’s overseas military footprint is ‘much smaller’ compared to the United State’s network of military bases, but the country is expanding it.

China could consider setting up ‘ military logistics facilities’ in Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tajikistan.

With more than 370 ships and submarines from 340 a year ago, China possess the world’s largest navy, which according to the report could further expand.

The report said that number of ships could increase to 395 by 2025 and 435 by 2030.

While the report said China has generally ignored or denied the United States' efforts to have military-to-military talks, it described an occasion when Beijing required US assistance.

The report pointed out that China either ignored or denied the US efforts for ‘ military-to-military’ talks.

However, the US helped China with details of routs when the country requested US help to evacuate Chinese diplomats from Khartoum, Sundan in April 2023.