Fact Check: China's nuclear arsenal has reached 600 warheads as of June 16, 2025, an increase of 100 warheads from the previous year.

Fact Check: "China's nuclear arsenal has reached 600 warheads as of June 16, 2025, an increase of 100 warheads from the previous year."

What We Know

As of June 16, 2025, reports indicate that China's nuclear arsenal has indeed reached approximately 600 warheads, marking an increase of about 100 warheads from the previous year. This information comes from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which noted that China has been expanding its nuclear capabilities at a rapid pace, adding around 100 new warheads annually since 2023. The SIPRI Yearbook 2025 specifically states that this growth positions China third globally in terms of nuclear arsenals, surpassing the combined totals of the United Kingdom and France (Breaking Defense, Kyodo News).

Analysis

The claim that China's nuclear arsenal has reached 600 warheads as of June 16, 2025, is supported by multiple credible sources, including SIPRI, which is a well-respected think tank specializing in international security and arms control. The consistency across various reports, including those from Nikkei Asia and The Week, further corroborates the assertion.

While the Chinese government has not commented specifically on the SIPRI report, it has maintained a stance of following a nuclear strategy focused on self-defense and has denied engaging in an arms race (Foreign Ministry). This suggests a level of sensitivity regarding the perception of its nuclear capabilities, but does not directly contradict the reported figures.

The reliability of the sources is strong, particularly SIPRI, which has a long-standing reputation for providing accurate assessments of global military capabilities. The reports from media outlets such as Breaking Defense and Kyodo News also align with SIPRI's findings, enhancing the credibility of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that China's nuclear arsenal has reached 600 warheads as of June 16, 2025, with an increase of 100 warheads from the previous year, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The consistency of this information across respected institutions and media outlets confirms its accuracy.

Sources

1. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press ...
2. China's nuclear arsenal surges 20% in one year, reaching over 600 ...
3. China's nuclear arsenal hits 600 warheads, up 100 from year before
4. 百度官方网址_百度知道
5. China adds 100 nuclear warheads in past year, report shows
6. China denies arms race as its nuclear arsenal nears 600 warheads; India ...
7. www.baidu.com_百度知道
8. 中国的英文简写可否写成P.R.China_百度知道