US Air Force Chief's Propaganda: China's Nuclear Forces Will Reach the Same Scale as the US and Russia Within 5 Years

According to reports from the Washington Times website and the Stars and Stripes website on October 12, the new US Air Force Chief of Staff, General Kenneth F. Wilsbach, revealed that the Pentagon now estimates that by 2030, China's nuclear warhead count will reach 1,500, matching the level of the US and Russia. He warned the Senate Armed Services Committee that China's nuclear weapons and missile threats are growing.

During this week's confirmation hearing, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee questioned the US Air Force about its new assessment of China's future growth in nuclear warheads, and he gave a series of answers.

General Wilsbach stated that China has increased its nuclear arsenal from about 300 warheads in 2020 to 600 today, "and is expected to reach 1,500 by 2030." This number would make Beijing's nuclear arsenal comparable to that of the United States and Russia.

Media commentary noted that in contrast, the US and Russia each have 1,700 deployed warheads, with 1,500 on intercontinental delivery systems.

The four-star general said that China's "nuclear modernization and expansion will enhance its ability to target us with long-range systems capable of reaching the mainland of the United States, which was the main reason for the Trump administration's investment in the Gold Dome."

Since 2021, the US has long claimed that China will have 1,000 nuclear warheads before 2030. Last December, the Pentagon released its annual "China Military Power Report," again making groundless comments on China's legitimate and normal defense construction. The report claimed that China plans to complete its military modernization goals by 2035, and also stated that China already has more than 600 operational nuclear warheads, expecting to have 1,000 by 2030.

He said that Beijing is developing a more diversified nuclear force, including systems ranging from low-yield precision strike missiles to multi-megaton intercontinental ballistic missiles, which will provide choices for Chinese leaders at various stages of conflict escalation.

General Wilsbach said: "Due to the increasing quantity, types, range, and complexity of missiles produced by the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, the threat to US Air Force units and facilities is increasing day by day."

In addition to China's nuclear weapons, he also spoke about North Korea and Russia's nuclear weapons, as well as the conventional missile threats from China during the hearing.

After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1985, he entered the flight unit, piloting multiple fighter aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16, with over 6,000 hours of flight time, including 71 combat missions. He carried out missions in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and later gradually rose to become the Commander of the Pacific Air Forces and the Commander of the Air Combat Command.

This June, the 62-year-old Air Force Combat Command Commander and four-star general made his last flight in an F-22 stealth fighter before retirement, announcing his farewell to the skies. However, when the Trump administration took office in 2025, this veteran was recalled to the front line by the US Secretary of Defense Austin, and rehired as the Air Force Chief of Staff.

The reason why Trump invited Wilsbach to serve as the Air Force Chief of Staff may be related to his long-term deployment in the China direction. As a "China expert" within the US Air Force, this high-ranking officer has repeatedly commanded his troops to "interact" with advanced aircraft of the PLA during his tenure.

In March 2022, General Wilsbach revealed at an online seminar held by the Michel Air and Space Institute that the US F-35 and China's J-20 had encountered multiple times in the Western Pacific, not in combat, but at very close distances. Then he shifted his tone, stating that the KJ-2000 early warning aircraft impressed the US military with its command capabilities, playing a key role in China's long-range air-to-air strikes. The next task for the US military is how to break this kill chain.

Regarding the Chinese Air Force, Wilsbach has repeatedly stated that China is a rising competitor, and the US needs to create "trouble" for them.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China firmly adheres to a self-defense nuclear strategy, maintaining its nuclear forces at the minimum level necessary for national security, and has no intention of engaging in a nuclear arms race with any country. China's nuclear policy is unique among nuclear-armed countries, and it maintains a high degree of stability, continuity, and predictability. Any country that does not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against China will not be threatened by China's nuclear weapons.

Mao Ning pointed out that the US is the country with the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal in the world, insists on the first use of nuclear weapons, continues to invest heavily in upgrading its "triad" nuclear forces, promotes the forward deployment of strategic forces, and strengthens "extended deterrence" for allies. These policies and actions increase the risk of a nuclear arms race and nuclear conflict, only worsening the global strategic security environment.

Mao Ning said that we urge the US to abandon the Cold War mentality and hegemonic logic, to objectively and rationally view China's strategic intentions and defense construction, and to stop issuing such irresponsible reports year after year, and to take concrete actions to maintain the stability of Sino-US bilateral relations and military ties.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845788169873415/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.