China builds over 100 missile silos, expands nuclear arsenal

By Choekyi Lhamo

DHARAMSHALA, July 4: The expansion of China’s nuclear assets has been uncovered amid reports of 119 new silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles in the desert of Gansu province, reported by The Washington Post. The report said that China is believed to have possessed a stockpile of 250-350 nuclear weapons, which are only 1/20^th of the US’ arsenal, but these findings could mean a historic shift in the international community.

 “If the silos under construction at other sites across China are added to the count, the total comes to about 145 silos under construction. We believe China is expanding its nuclear forces in part to maintain a deterrent that can survive a US first strike in sufficient numbers to defeat US missile defenses,” Jeffrey Lewis, an expert on China’s nuclear arsenal told the Post. He further said that these silos could be intended for a Chinese ICMB known as DF-41, which carries warheads that could reach the US.

“These developments and China’s lack of transparency raise concerns that China is not only shifting its requirements for what constitutes a minimal deterrent, but that it could shift away from its longstanding minimalist force posture,” the latest Pentagon’s report said. The US State Department’s spokesperson Ned Price said that the build-up is concerning and offered Beijing to engage with the US on practical measures to reduce the risks of destabilizing tensions.

“These reports and other developments suggest that the PRC’s nuclear arsenal will grow more quickly, and to a higher level than perhaps previously anticipated,” Price said while addressing a regular news briefing. The CCP mouthpiece Global Times said on Friday that China need not respond to Western media’s queries concerning its security, “China must continue to strengthen its nuclear deterrence and how this is accomplished is a decision made within China’s sovereign rights as a nuclear power. The Chinese side has no obligation to respond to Western media reports which have clear ulterior motives.”