China’s ‘Nuclear Arms’ Reach’: Xi Jinping’s Military Modernisation & Expansion Plans | Exclusive

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Last Updated:February 19, 2024, 16:31 IST

China wants to create world-class military to handle pressure from international borders. “China military modernization, especially nuclear expansion, is part of its global expansionist policy,” top intelligence sources said

In last one decade, China has been a major contributor in the rise of nuclear warheads in the world. (Reuters File)

In a major shift in China’s nuclear policy, President Xi Jinping is focusing on modernising and expanding nuclear warheads, according to top intelligence sources.

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After becoming a nuclear power, China was only restricted to land-based ballistic missiles and they have very few air and marine nuclear warheads. “Countries such as the US and Russia have capabilities to attack from land, air and sea, with an idea to handle and survive nuclear attack. This capability gives flexibility in handling a nuclear attack," they said.

In the last one decade, China has been a major contributor in the rise of nuclear warheads in the world. In 2022, Chinese nukeheads were 400, in 2023 the number was 500.

“China is in agreement of ‘No First Use’ policy, but this is meaningless. At the time of any ground attack, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will not hesitate to use nuclear warheads — the front part of a guided missile or rocket or torpedo that carries the nuclear or explosive charge or the chemical or biological agents — depending on their need," they said.

According to intelligence estimates, the number can go up to 1,000 in the next five years, which is going to be dangerous.