US accuses China of ‘massively’ expanding nuclear arsenal amid fears of new arms race

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseFebruary 24, 2026 at 02:06 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

The US has accused China of a rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal, potentially possessing enough fissile material for over 1,000 warheads by 2030. This accusation was made at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, following the expiration of the New Start treaty between the US and Russia. The US claims the treaty was flawed for not including China and is seeking a new agreement. China denies engaging in a nuclear arms race and insists its arsenal is not comparable to those of the US and Russia. Despite this, the US reports that preparatory talks with China have occurred, with more substantive discussions planned. The US also accuses Russia of violating New Start and aiding China's nuclear expansion.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

AFP 30% International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons 40% Geneva ×250% Conference on Disarmament ×260% Shen Jian ×470% Christopher Yeaw ×270% Russia ×580% New Start ×785% China ×1090% United States ×790%

Keywords

nuclear arsenal 100% arms race 80% new start treaty 70% nuclear weapons 70% us china relations 60% nuclear non-proliferation 50% fissile material 40% arms control 40%