China stockpiling nuclear warheads at fastest rate globally, new research shows

Chinese soldiers walk outside of the Great Hall of People in Beijing. Research shows that China is growing its stockpile of nuclear weapons faster than any other country. Photograph: Andrés Martínez Casares/EPA

China is growing its stockpile of nuclear warheads at a faster rate than any other country, according to newly published research.

A report published on Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimated that China now has at least 600 nuclear warheads, with about 100 per year being added to the stockpile since 2023.