Image reproduced from 工商時報

Recent news reports have drawn international attention to China's stockpile of nuclear warheads and its alarming growth rate. According to Japan's NHK, a recent annual report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute revealed that China currently possesses approximately 600 nuclear warheads, ranking third globally, with an anticipated annual increase of about 100 warheads, surpassing any other country.

During a routine press conference at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 16th, a reporter raised questions regarding this report. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia Kun replied that China would not comment on the content of the report, but emphasized that China consistently adheres to a self-defense nuclear strategy, maintaining its nuclear forces at the lowest level necessary for national security, and does not participate in an arms race.

Guo highlighted that China has a clear policy of not being the first to use nuclear weapons under any circumstances, and it commits unconditionally to not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states or in nuclear-weapon-free zones. He further noted that China is the only nuclear weapon state that adopts such a policy.

However, the ongoing increase in China's nuclear warheads has naturally raised concerns among many countries worldwide. This is especially critical considering China's recent tensions with neighboring countries over territorial disputes; the use of nuclear weapons could lead to catastrophic consequences for the globe.

Additionally, experts have pointed out that construction activities for nuclear missile silos in China's western regions are also on the rise, as recent satellite images confirm the presence of over 100 missile silos located near the Yumen Pass Desert in Gansu province. This indicates that China continues to invest significant resources and energy into developing its nuclear capabilities.

Globally, the proliferation of nuclear weapons remains a significant challenge facing the international community. With the enhancement of China's nuclear arsenal, strategic balances between nations may be affected, making how to address the threat posed by China's nuclear capabilities a pressing issue in future international relations.