Victor Gao, vice-president of the Center for China and Globalisation (CCG), has issued a warning to Australia regarding its plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. This statement comes shortly after China test-fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile in the Pacific.

Speaking to 7.30, Gao said, "Australia should really treasure the luxury of being a nuclear-free country." He emphasized the strategic ambiguity surrounding China's nuclear arsenal, stating, "You never know how many nuclear warheads China has, and this is the biggest strategic ambiguity in our times."

Gao further asserted that China's nuclear capabilities are on par with those of the United States. He highlighted China's declared ability to launch nuclear missiles capable of reaching any part of the world within approximately 20 minutes. "This is the strategic certainty and the assurance in our time," he added.

Regarding the timing of the missile test, Gao dismissed any connection to the AUKUS alliance, explaining it was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the July 7 incident with Japan in 1937.

As of 2024, the Pentagon estimated China's nuclear warhead stockpile to be in the low 600s, with projections to exceed 1,000 operational warheads by 2030.

Sources