This Is How the World’s Arms Race Has Accelerated

Major powers are ramping up their nuclear armament efforts. New players are emerging, forcing the global superpower, the United States, to rethink its strategies. Experts warn of the erosion of arms control agreements.

Illustration. Rockets at a weapons exhibition (Photo: AFP)

This is especially true for China, Russia’s strongest supporter in the war in Ukraine, which, alongside Moscow, has emerged as one of the United States’ most significant nuclear adversaries. In September, China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) over the Pacific for the first time in 44 years. According to estimates by the Pentagon and the Union of Concerned Scientists, China possesses a nuclear arsenal of around 500 warheads. According to estimates by the US Department of Defense, that number could rise to 1,500 by 2035.

Cover photo: Illustration. Rockets at a weapons exhibition (Photo: AFP)