Russia and the United States account for nearly 90 percent of the total nuclear warheads possessed by nuclear powers.
Image Source : France 24
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According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri), the global nuclear weapons stockpile has reached its highest point in history. The study estimates that there are currently 12,512 nuclear warheads worldwide, marking an increase of 86 warheads compared to the previous year. Out of these, 9,756 warheads are part of military stockpiles and are readily available for immediate use.
Additionally, the number of deployed warheads has risen from 3,732 to 3,844 over the course of a year. This alarming trend raises concerns about the escalating presence of nuclear weapons and their potential implications for global security.
Russia and the United States, as the two dominant nuclear powers, account for nearly 90 percent of the world’s nuclear warhead arsenal. According to data from the SIPRI, Moscow currently possesses the largest number of warheads, with an estimated 4,489 in its arsenal, while Washington follows closely behind with 3,708 warheads. Additionally, both countries have retired over 1,000 warheads from active military service.
SIPRI Director, Dan Smith, expressed concerns that we may be witnessing the end of a prolonged era of global nuclear disarmament. This shift is partly due to decreased transparency among nations regarding their nuclear stockpiles. Most countries have become less forthcoming with information about their warhead numbers, making accurate assessments more challenging.
China has also made significant changes to its nuclear arsenal. Within the span of a year, China’s stockpile of warheads has increased from 350 to 410, with the addition of 60 new warheads. This development further contributes to the changing dynamics of global nuclear capabilities.
The data highlights the persistent nuclear disparity among nations, with Russia and the United States maintaining a significant lead over other countries. It raises concerns about the future trajectory of nuclear disarmament efforts and the potential for an arms race in the coming years.
China’s Recent Nuclear Expansion
Hans M Kristensen, an associate senior fellow with the weapons of mass destruction program at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), has raised concerns about China’s recent significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal. This development contradicts China’s stated goal of maintaining the minimum necessary nuclear forces for national security, presenting a challenging discrepancy.
Image Source: Indian Express
For the past three decades, there has been a downward trend in the number of nuclear warheads globally, but this positive trajectory has now halted and reversed, as noted by SIPRI. This shift is particularly alarming due to China’s role in contributing to this negative trend. The country’s decision to bolster its nuclear capabilities signifies a departure from the international community’s efforts towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
China’s expansion of its nuclear arsenal raises questions about its strategic motivations and intentions. While the country maintains that it seeks only to safeguard its national security, the scale and pace of its nuclear buildup challenge this assertion. The lack of transparency surrounding China’s nuclear program further exacerbates concerns and raises suspicions among other nuclear-armed states and the broader international community.
This development has significant implications for global security and stability. It heightens the risk of a new nuclear arms race, as other countries may perceive China’s actions as a threat and respond in kind. Moreover, it undermines efforts to create a more secure world by reducing reliance on nuclear weapons and promoting disarmament.
Ultimately, it is crucial to find avenues for constructive engagement and dialogue to ensure that China’s nuclear policies align with global efforts towards disarmament, non-proliferation, and the maintenance of international peace and security.
