How Does China’s Nuclear Arsenal Compare to the US and Russia?

According to the SIPRI report, China possesses approximately 620 nuclear warheads as of January 2026. Over the past year, China has slowed the pace of augmenting its nuclear arsenal to about 20 warheads annually. China maintains a “No First Use” policy and has consistently declined to participate in trilateral nuclear talks with the United States and Russia.
Kathmandu, 15 Ashar – China has traditionally maintained a high level of opacity regarding its nuclear arsenal and strategy, offering very limited public information on the matter. Officially, China asserts that its nuclear policy is focused solely on self-defense, emphasizing its commitment to a “No First Use” stance. On the other hand, China has repeatedly rejected Western demands to engage in trilateral arms control negotiations with the US and Russia.

Western experts observe that China has modernized its nuclear capabilities rapidly in recent years. Their estimates suggest that from 2023 to 2025, China was adding roughly 100 new warheads per year, although this rate has recently declined to about 20 annually. According to Western media, China has also significantly strengthened its missile silo infrastructure aimed at enhancing its second-strike capabilities. Beijing has shown no hesitation in demonstrating its nuclear power; in 2024, China tested a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile in the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, during the 2025 Victory Day parade marking the end of World War II, China publicly showcased its nuclear triad for the first time, highlighting its capabilities to deliver nuclear weapons via land, sea, and air.

Despite its minimal stockpile and adherence to a “No First Use” policy, China has not disclosed detailed information about its nuclear arsenal. Officially, it describes its nuclear strategy as “stable, consistent, and practical,” emphasizing its arsenal is maintained only at levels necessary for national security. China claims it keeps its nuclear weapons at the minimal amounts required and rejects the notion of engaging in an arms race. Moreover, Beijing asserts that it plays a crucial role in maintaining the global strategic balance through its nuclear posture.