Global Nuclear Arms Spending Reaches New Heights, Led by China
Nuclear Arms Spending Hits Record High, China Leads Global Expansion
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Nuclear-armed nations spent nearly $119 billion on their arsenals in 2024, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons warns of a new arms race, with China expanding its nuclear capabilities rapidly amid rising geopolitical tensions.
- 01Nuclear-armed states collectively spent nearly $119 billion on nuclear weapons in 2024, a 19% increase from the previous year.
- 02The United States accounted for over $69.2 billion of this spending, more than all other countries combined.
- 03China's nuclear arsenal is expanding rapidly, with an estimated 620 warheads, making it the fastest-growing nuclear power.
- 04The total number of nuclear warheads is declining, but the number available for use has increased to 9,745.
- 05Long-term projections indicate that nuclear arms spending could approach $1 trillion in the next decade.
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Global spending on nuclear weapons surged to a record high of nearly $119 billion in 2024, reflecting a 19% increase from the previous year, according to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). This alarming trend signals the onset of a new nuclear arms race, particularly as geopolitical tensions escalate. The United States led the expenditure with over $69.2 billion, while China followed with approximately $13.5 billion. Despite a decline in the total number of nuclear warheads, the number of weapons ready for potential use has risen to 9,745. Experts warn that the breakdown of strategic arms controls and increased competition among nuclear powers could lead to a significant rise in nuclear stockpiles in the coming years. Additionally, long-term projections indicate that nuclear arms spending could reach nearly $1 trillion between 2025 and 2034, with investments expected to continue well into the next century. ICAN highlights the stark contrast between these military expenditures and the urgent humanitarian needs globally, emphasizing the disconnect in priorities among nuclear-armed states.
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