China is rapidly expanding its nuclear weapons capabilities in the Sichuan region, roughly 800 kilometres from Arunachal Pradesh. According to reports from The New York Times, China is expected to possess around 600 nuclear warheads by early 2026, ranking third globally after Russia (5,400) and the United States (5,100–5,200). Defence experts project that China could increase its arsenal to over 1,000 warheads by 2030, supported by advanced delivery systems across land, air, and sea.
Strategic Bases in Sichuan
The nuclear expansion focuses on the Jitong and Pingtang valleys in Sichuan province. These locations were part of Mao Zedong’s “Third Front” strategy, which aimed to conceal military assets from the U.S. and Russia within mountainous terrain. Recent satellite images reveal new developments, including:
Construction of massive bunkers and extensive piping systems.
High-explosive testing is essential for nuclear detonations.
Suspected production of plutonium pits, a critical component of nuclear bombs.
Display of Xi Jinping’s slogan, “Don’t forget the mission,” at the site.
Potential Threat to India
The proximity of these nuclear bases—just 800 km from Arunachal Pradesh—poses a significant risk to India. It enables China to potentially target major Indian cities with short- to medium-range missiles. Additionally, China continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet” and has built dual-use villages and airfields along the Arunachal and Ladakh borders, raising strategic concerns for Indian defence forces.
India’s Preparedness Measures
The Indian Ministry of Defence is closely monitoring these developments. To strengthen national security, India has undertaken multiple measures:
Deploying long-range missiles such as the Agni-5 to deter potential threats.
Enhancing drone surveillance along the Arunachal Pradesh border.
Installing advanced defence systems to counter aerial and missile attacks.
Analysts believe that China’s nuclear expansion could trigger a regional arms race, making India’s border preparedness and missile capabilities crucial in maintaining strategic stability.
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