China is significantly increasing its nuclear capabilities, especially in the run-up to a possible action on Taiwan, according to Pentagon reports.

China has embarked on a rapid expansion of its nuclear forces in a bid to bolster its military strength amid threats from Taiwan. The commander of the US Strategic Command has warned that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is aiming for a build-up of nuclear weapons by 2027. Although China claims it will not be the first to use nuclear weapons, the Pentagon suggests Beijing could resort to their use in the event of a serious conventional threat. It estimates that by 2030, China could have more than 1,000 operational nuclear warheads.