China's nuclear arsenal has significantly increased under President Xi Jinping, despite his stated intention to reduce global nuclear weapons, according to a report by the Daily Telegraph. Recent satellite imagery analysis indicates that at least seven nuclear test and construction facilities have been established or expanded in recent months, with extensive infrastructure being developed across various locations in China.
One facility has seen the development of an entire town, including apartment buildings, sports fields, and a staff bus depot. Another site features a 2,000-foot tube, which is believed to be used for testing the resilience of nuclear weapons against enemy attacks. A third facility appears to be focused on studying the effects of nuclear blasts using advanced laser technology. The construction of these facilities has resulted in the displacement of entire villages and farming communities, as reported by the Telegraph.
Despite Xi's advocacy for nuclear non-proliferation, including a “no first use” policy and China's signature on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, the country's nuclear arsenal has more than doubled since Xi took office in 2012, reaching 620 warheads as of January 2026. In comparison, the United States possesses approximately 5,300 warheads, while Russia has around 5,500.
Experts estimate that if the current expansion rate continues, China could possess 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035, with some capable of reaching distances of 9,300 miles, which would allow them to target the United States. China has developed a comprehensive nuclear capability, enabling it to launch nuclear missiles from land, submarines, and aircraft. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons estimates that China allocated $12.4 billion to its nuclear forces in 2024.
The report also references former President Donald Trump's calls for the expansion of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, which he announced last fall, stating that he instructed the Department of War to begin testing U.S. nuclear weapons in response to other countries' testing programs.
The report coincides with Trump's recent three-day visit to Washington, D.C., where he is expected to engage in significant negotiations with Xi Jinping.