China, North Korea, India, and Pakistan are expanding their nuclear arsenals, according to a new report that warns global disarmament efforts are faltering despite ongoing talks at the United Nations.
The latest Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor reveals that the number of nuclear warheads “available for use” has increased to 9,605, up from 9,585 last year. The report, published alongside UN non-proliferation talks, highlights a troubling trend: while older warheads are being retired by Russia and the United States, the number of active and deployable weapons continues to climb.
Rising nuclear stockpiles
According to data compiled by Norwegian People’s Aid and the Federation of American Scientists, China now has 600 warheads ready for deployment, with India and Pakistan possessing 180 and 170, respectively. North Korea, despite international sanctions, is estimated to have 50 operational nuclear warheads.
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The United States and Russia remain the dominant nuclear powers, with 3,700 and 4,299 warheads, respectively. However, experts warn that modernization efforts by multiple nations could lead to a continued expansion of global arsenals.
“This upward trajectory is expected to continue unless there is a breakthrough in arms control and disarmament efforts,” said Hans M. Kristensen from the Federation of American Scientists.
UN warns of nuclear threat
As UN officials gather for non-proliferation discussions in New York, concerns over rising geopolitical tensions and nuclear posturing have intensified.
Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN’s High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, warned that “critical disarmament instruments are being eroded” as more countries look to nuclear weapons as a means of security.
“At a time when peace is at a premium and the world is roiled by tensions and a rising nuclear threat, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is the bright spot on the horizon,” added Raymond Johansen, Secretary-General of Norwegian People’s Aid.
Despite growing international support for the TPNW, major nuclear-armed nations—including the US, Russia, and China—remain opposed to signing the treaty.
Australia holds back on nuclear ban treaty
Australia, which has long been an advocate for nuclear disarmament, has yet to sign the TPNW despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously expressing interest.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) stated that Australia continues to support the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), arguing that it remains the best mechanism for nuclear disarmament.
“We continue to engage on the TPNW and monitor its progress,” the spokesperson said. “However, we believe the best pathway to advance nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament is to ensure that the NPT is acted upon and progressed.”
With nuclear tensions on the rise and global security in flux, experts warn that without renewed diplomatic efforts, the world could be headed toward a new nuclear arms race.
