The US warns that, despite the difficulties, the Chinese Armed Forces continue to expand their capabilities to project themselves globally

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19 December, 2024

A recent report from the Pentagon warns that despite the internal challenges faced by the People’s Republic of China, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues to expand its military capabilities to establish itself as an armed force with global projection. According to the document, this progress includes significant developments in the nuclear, space, and air domains, although it is accompanied by issues such as the dismissal of the defense minister due to corruption and the country’s economic slowdown.

Expansion of the Nuclear Arsenal

In the nuclear domain, the report highlights that China has significantly increased its arsenal. It currently has more than 600 operational nuclear warheads, an increase of 100 compared to the previous year and 200 compared to the past two years. If this trend continues, the Pentagon projects that China could surpass 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030 and continue expanding until 2035, aligning with the PLA’s strategic objectives to become an advanced military power.

Development of Space Capabilities

Regarding space, China is strengthening its counter-space capabilities to neutralize U.S. strategic assets in orbit. The report mentions capabilities such as direct-ascent anti-satellite missiles, orbital satellites designed to operate near others in space, electronic warfare systems, and directed energy technologies. This approach reflects Beijing’s interest in gaining a strategic advantage in the space domain, considered essential for modern warfare.

The prototype of China’s new-generation unmanned combat aircraft, the CH-7, is displayed during the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China 2018, on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, southern China. (Photo AP / Kin Cheung)

Air Projection and Joint Operations of China

Meanwhile, the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) is working to expand its operational capabilities beyond its immediate borders. An example of this effort is the joint exercise conducted with Russia’s Aerospace Forces, in which strategic bombers flew over international airspace within Alaska’s ADIZ, demonstrating greater cooperation and combat aviation projection capabilities.

According to the report, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force and Navy together operate over 3,150 aircraft, making them the largest aviation forces in the region and the third largest in the world. Of this total, approximately 2,400 are combat aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and attack planes. Among these is the strategic H-6 bomber, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, cruise missiles, and being refueled in flight, which strengthens the air component of the Asian Giant’s nuclear triad.