U.S. Raises Alarm Over China’s Rapid Nuclear Build-Up, Warns of Rising Tensions

Geneva: The United States has accused China of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, signaling that Beijing may soon challenge Washington’s long-standing nuclear supremacy. U.S. officials are urging China to participate in future arms control agreements, following the recent expiration of the New START Treaty between the U.S. and Russia.

U.S. Points to Secret Nuclear Expansion

Speaking at a disarmament conference in Geneva, Christopher Yeaw, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation, highlighted key shortcomings in the New START Treaty. “New START failed to address China’s unprecedented, rapid, and covert nuclear weapons build-up,” Yeaw said. “Contrary to its public statements, Beijing has deliberately increased its stockpile without transparency or any indication of its strategic intentions.”

Yeaw warned that China could reach parity with the United States within the next four to five years and is on track to possess sufficient fissile material for over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.

China Responds Firmly

In response, Chinese Ambassador Shen Jian strongly rejected U.S. claims, stating that Beijing opposes attempts by other countries to misrepresent its nuclear policy. “China will not engage in a nuclear arms race with any nation,” he emphasized.

What Is the New START Treaty?

The New START Treaty, which expired on February 5, limited deployed nuclear warheads between the U.S. and Russia to 1,550 each. Its expiration marks the first time in decades that the world’s two largest nuclear powers have no formal treaty regulating nuclear force levels, raising concerns about a potential new arms race.

Yeaw defended the treaty’s expiration, citing alleged Russian violations and the lack of necessity for numerical limits. He also noted that Moscow had indirectly assisted Beijing in expanding its nuclear capabilities. According to Yeaw, the treaty’s end presents an opportunity for President Donald Trump to negotiate a more comprehensive arms control agreement before leaving office.