"US Defense Department Assesses Over 100 ICBMs Deployed at Three Chinese Silo Bases"

Reuters Reveals Draft of Pentagon Report on Chinese Military Power

Reuters reported on December 22 (local time) that a draft report by the U.S. Department of Defense indicates China has likely deployed more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at three newly constructed silo (underground bunker) bases, and shows no willingness to engage in arms control talks.

The Department of Defense prepares an annual report assessing China's military capabilities and submits it to Congress. This year's report has not yet been submitted.

Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) 'Dongfeng (DF)-61' appeared at the 80th anniversary parade of China's Victory Day. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to the draft, the Department of Defense has determined that China has likely loaded more than 100 solid-fueled DF-31 ICBMs at silo bases near the border with Mongolia.

The Department of Defense had previously disclosed the existence of such silo bases, but this is the first time it has mentioned the number of missiles deployed. The report does not specify the potential targets of the newly deployed missiles.

The draft report states that as of 2024, China's nuclear warhead stockpile appears to be in the low 600s. It assessed that this reflects "a slowdown in production compared to several years ago." However, it added that China's nuclear weapons development is ongoing, and the number of warheads is expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030.

The draft report notes, "There are no indications that Beijing is willing to pursue comprehensive arms control discussions," evaluating that China has no intention of participating in arms control negotiations. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he could pursue denuclearization measures with China and Russia, but according to the report, China appears to have no interest in denuclearization.

The draft report also explains China's military buildup, analyzing that China will have the capability to win a war against Taiwan by the end of 2027. China is refining its military options to seize Taiwan by force, and one scenario includes striking areas 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles (2,780 to 3,700 kilometers) from mainland China.

The report further states that "if such strikes are carried out on a sufficient scale, they could seriously threaten and disrupt the presence of U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific region during a conflict."