Chinese ballistic missile. EPA Yonhap News

China has likely loaded more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) at three silo bases, Reuters reported on December 22 (local time), citing a draft U.S. Department of Defense report.

The U.S. Department of Defense compiles an annual report assessing China's military capabilities and submits it to Congress. This year's report has not yet been submitted.

According to the draft, the U.S. Department of Defense assesses that China has likely loaded more than 100 solid-fuel DF-31 ICBMs at silo bases near its border with Mongolia.

While the U.S. Department of Defense has previously reported on the existence of Chinese silo bases, this is the first time it has mentioned missile loading and quantities, Reuters reported.

The Department of Defense did not specify the potential targets for the newly deployed missiles.

The draft report also assessed that China's stockpile of nuclear warheads remained in the low 600s as of 2024, reflecting a "slowing pace of production compared to a few years ago."

However, it stated that China's nuclear buildup continues, and its nuclear warhead stockpile is expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030.

The draft report further assessed that "there is no indication that Beijing is willing to pursue comprehensive arms control discussions," indicating China's unwillingness to participate in arms control negotiations.

Additionally, the draft report analyzed that China will possess the capability to fight and win a war against Taiwan by the end of 2027.

The draft report stated that China is refining its military options for seizing Taiwan through the use of force, and these options may include scenarios of striking areas 1,000 to 2,000 nautical miles (2,780 to 3,700 kilometers) from mainland China.

It predicted that "if such strikes were carried out on a sufficient scale, they could pose a significant threat to and disrupt the presence of U.S. forces in the region during a conflict in the Indo-Pacific."