Beijing: China's nuclear arsenal is reportedly expanding at a faster rate than any other country, with an increase of approximately 100 new warheads annually, as per a recent report by a research group. The report highlights that by the end of the decade, China could potentially possess as many intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as Russia or the United States.

According to Radio Free Asia, these findings are part of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's (SIPRI) annual assessment of armaments, disarmament, and international security, released on Monday. The report suggests that depending on China's strategic decisions, it could match the ICBM capabilities of either Russia or the USA by 2030.

In December, a similar estimate was presented by the U.S. Department of Defense, which projected a tripling of China's warhead count within four years. SIPRI, however, notes that even if China achieves the projected maximum of 1,500 warheads by 2035, this would still constitute only about one-third of the nuclear stockpiles currently held by Russia and the U.S.

Russia and the U.S. collectively hold around 90 percent of the global nuclear weapons, with each possessing roughly 1,700 deployed warheads and additional stockpiles in storage.

In response to the SIPRI report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterated China's commitment to a nuclear strategy focused on self-defense. During a news briefing in Beijing, Guo emphasized that China's nuclear capabilities are maintained at the minimum level required for national security and that the country does not engage in an arms race. He also reaffirmed China's no first use policy concerning nuclear weapons.

SIPRI's report further estimates that North Korea has assembled about 50 warheads and possesses sufficient fissile material to produce up to 40 more. The report indicates that North Korea continues to prioritize its military nuclear program as a key component of its national security strategy, with leader Kim Jong Un advocating for its limitless expansion in November.