WASHINGTON - The Pentagon this week released its annual report on China’s military, which touches on wide-ranging issues related to some of the most important developments in China’s national security over the past year. Here are some key highlights:

Nuclear weapons

China has more than 500 operational nuclear warheads in its arsenal and will probably have over 1,000 warheads by 2030, the report said.

In a previous report, the Pentagon estimated that Beijing had more than 400 operational nuclear warheads in 2021.

Missiles

The report said China probably completed in 2022 the construction of its three new silo fields, which have at least 300 new intercontinental ballistic missile silos.

It said the country may be exploring developing conventionally armed intercontinental-range missile systems, which, if done, could allow Beijing to threaten the United States.

Overseas basing

China has been expanding its global military footprint, though it is still much smaller than the US’ network of bases.

The report said China has also probably considered having military logistics facilities in countries like Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Tajikistan.

Ships

China already has the world’s largest navy – and it is growing further, the report said.

The Chinese navy had more than 370 ships and submarines, up from the 340 ships in 2022’s report.

The expectation, the report added, is for the number to increase to 395 ships by 2025 and 435 ships by 2030.

US assistance

While the report said China has generally ignored or denied the US’ efforts to have military-to-military talks, it described an occasion where Beijing required US help.

In April 2023, the Chinese military requested US assistance in evacuating Chinese diplomats from Khartoum, Sudan. The US military, the report said, provided evacuation routes. REUTERS