NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at a major arms control conference in Washington, outlining expectations about China’s future nuclear arsenal and the broader implications for global security. He projected that by 2035 China could field around 1,500 nuclear warheads, a figure that would place it among the world’s leading nuclear powers and significantly influence strategic calculations for allied nations and close partners alike. The remarks highlight the importance of adapting deterrence and diplomacy to a landscape where power dynamics are shifting and technological advances are accelerating, requiring careful coordination with Beijing on transparency, verification, and responsible stewardship of nuclear capabilities.
Stoltenberg emphasized that addressing long-term security challenges demands a recalibration of how alliances manage risk in an era of growing strategic competition. He argued that cooperation with China, while complex, is essential to reduce misperceptions, build trust, and strengthen international norms around arms control. The goal is to prevent an unmanageable arms race and to create stable, verifiable agreements that reduce the likelihood of miscalculation in tense regional flashpoints and global security theaters.
The director noted that the People’s Republic of China, as a major global actor, bears a responsibility to participate in constructive dialogues and to demonstrate greater transparency in its strategic programs. Enhanced openness about arsenals, delivery systems, and research efforts would contribute to broader confidence-building measures and help all nations make informed security choices in the coming decades. This stance aligns with longstanding international expectations that nuclear-armed states commit to predictable behavior and verifiable safeguards.
Earlier statements from Beijing criticized the G7 for framing nuclear policy and accused the group of undermining the established system for disarmament. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserted that while the G7 has critiqued others, it should also adhere to international commitments and demonstrate consistency in its own practice. The exchange underscores the ongoing debates over how best to balance deterrence, disarmament, and strategic stability among major powers and regional players. References: official briefings and public statements from the involved parties, as summarized by contemporary security watchers and research centers.