China’s Expanding Nuclear Arsenal and Military Reach Gravely Threaten Indo-Pacific Stability: Analysts

The regime’s stockpile is estimated to have reached 600 nuclear warheads, putting it on track for the world’s fastest expansion in recent years.

Chinese missile launchers are seen during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2025. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and military reach gravely threaten Indo-Pacific stability, with analysts stressing that sharing missile defense data and intelligence among Washington, Tokyo, and Canberra is critical to countering the regime.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi warned on May 31 that attempts to unilaterally change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific by force or coercion are intensifying.