Pakistan Enhancing Nuclear Capabilities with Chinese Support Amid Growing Regional Tensions: U.S. Intelligence Report
News Desk: A newly released report by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency has revealed that Pakistan is actively upgrading its nuclear weapons program with substantial military and economic assistance from China. The report underscores Islamabad’s continued perception of India as its foremost threat, driving its strategic and defense initiatives.
According to the intelligence findings, Pakistan is expected to maintain its focus on border skirmishes, particularly with India, while advancing the modernization of its nuclear arsenal. The report states, “Pakistan is modernising its nuclear arsenal and maintaining the security of its nuclear materials and nuclear command and control.” It also notes that the country is likely sourcing weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related materials from foreign suppliers and intermediaries.
Beijing has emerged as Pakistan’s principal defense partner, providing critical technology and equipment for WMD development.
However, some of these supplies are reportedly funneled through intermediary nations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Despite this close cooperation, tensions have surfaced in the wake of repeated terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan, casting a shadow over the bilateral alliance.
The U.S. report emphasizes that Pakistan’s military buildup, including the development of tactical nuclear weapons, is aimed at counterbalancing India’s conventional military superiority. It highlights Islamabad’s strategic objective to maintain a credible deterrent against New Delhi.
Meanwhile, the report also outlines India’s broader defense strategy, identifying China as New Delhi’s primary geopolitical rival. To counter Beijing’s growing regional influence, India is deepening defense cooperation with key partners across the Indian Ocean region through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, arms deals, and training initiatives.
India’s defense modernization is being driven by its “Made in India” campaign, which seeks to boost the domestic arms industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Recent advancements include successful tests of nuclear-capable missiles like the Agni-I Prime and Agni-V, the latter capable of carrying multiple warheads, as well as the commissioning of a second nuclear-powered submarine.
Despite some progress in reducing tensions, including an agreement between India and China to withdraw troops from two remaining flashpoints along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, the long-standing border dispute remains unresolved.
The U.S. intelligence assessment paints a picture of a region in flux, with both Pakistan and India ramping up military capabilities amid shifting alliances and strategic recalibrations.
