S8/10Geopolitical
China adds warheads as nuclear powers ‘walk away’ from disarmament: SIPRI
China expanded its nuclear warhead stockpile over the past year and might have increased the number deployed with operational forces, a Swedish think tank report said, warning that major powers were “walking away” from disarmament commitments. According to the report released on Monday as part of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) latest yearbook, China added 20 warheads to its nuclear stockpile as of January 2026, bringing the total to 620, up from 600 a year...
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⚠️ This is a probabilistic forecast, not a guarantee. Accuracy is measured only on resolved scenarios; monitor confirmation indicators below.
A
Escalation— 64% model probability
Confirmation indicators
- ◆China publicly announces increased deployment of nuclear
- ◆capable missiles to disputed areas (e.g., Taiwan). Increased activity of US/South Korean naval vessels near disputed territories.
Horizon: 7–30 days
B
Status quo— 26% model probability
Confirmation indicators
- ◆China publicly announces increased deployment of nuclear
- ◆capable missiles to disputed areas (e.g., Taiwan). Increased activity of US/South Korean naval vessels near disputed territories.
Horizon: 7–30 days
C
De-escalation— 10% model probability
Confirmation indicators
- ◆China publicly announces increased deployment of nuclear
- ◆capable missiles to disputed areas (e.g., Taiwan). Increased activity of US/South Korean naval vessels near disputed territories.
Horizon: 7–30 days