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Pentagon Report Says China Loaded 100+ ICBMs Into New Silos as Arsenal Expands

Beijing rejects the finding and presses Washington to reduce its larger arsenal.

Military vehicles carrying DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles travel past Tiananmen Square during the military parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of People's Republic of China, on its National Day in Beijing, China October 1, 2019. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo
The DF-31BJ intercontinental ballistic missiles is seen during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025.
Image
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian attends a press conference in Beijing, China March 20, 2024. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

Overview

  • The Pentagon’s unclassified annual report, posted Dec. 23, assesses that China likely placed more than 100 solid-fuel DF-31 intercontinental missiles into three silo fields near the Mongolia border.
  • U.S. estimates put China’s nuclear warheads in the low 600s for 2024, with growth projected to surpass 1,000 by 2030.
  • The report says Beijing shows little interest in broad arms-control negotiations despite U.S. overtures.
  • It warns the PLA expects to be able to fight and win a Taiwan conflict by the end of 2027, with potential long-range strike options reaching 1,500–2,000 nautical miles.
  • China denies awareness of the reported deployments, reiterates a no-first-use stance, and urges U.S. cuts, while U.S. officials note the assessment could still be revised before final submission to Congress.