China is expected to double its nuclear arsenal to 1,000 warheads over the next five years, as per a new Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report. The DIA had previously estimated China to have 200 warheads in 2020, a number that has now reached 500, with projections indicating it will exceed 1,000 by 2030. The report highlights China's rapid expansion and modernization of its nuclear forces, although its capabilities still lag behind those of the U.S. and Russia.
Over the weekend, China conducted a 'combat control' near an island in response to the U.S.' $2 billion arms deal with Taiwan, which included an advanced air defense system. Taiwan reported detecting 19 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 fighter jets, engaged in a 'joint combat readiness patrol' alongside Chinese warships.
