U.S. Faces Intensifying Nuclear Competition from China and Russia

Pentagon officials warn that rapid nuclear advancements by Beijing and Moscow challenge American deterrence and modernization efforts.

China is projected to match the U.S. in deployed nuclear warheads by 2035, with Russia and China both prioritizing nuclear weapons in their strategies.
The U.S. is navigating an unprecedented era of multiple nuclear competitors, requiring updates to its nuclear posture and modernization plans.
Pentagon officials emphasize the need to accelerate nuclear modernization, including enhancing Ohio-class submarines and deploying the B61-13 gravity bomb.
Russia has lowered its threshold for nuclear weapon use, citing Western support for Ukraine, while China’s ambitions for Taiwan could lead to direct U.S. military involvement.
The potential expiration of arms control agreements like New START in 2026 raises concerns, as U.S. officials explore strategies to counter growing nuclear threats.