China is seeking to increase its nuclear arsenal to an unprecedented level and modernize it to bolster its deterrence in the event of a conflict with the United States. After the first nuclear test in 1964, China only maintained a modest arsenal and committed not to take the initiative to use atomic weapons.
Over the past decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping has pushed for a large-scale modernization of the military, including improved nuclear capabilities. Russian atomic energy officials have agreed to help China have "fast reactors" that will produce fissile material much faster than it consumes.