The US Department of Defense estimates that China had more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May, indicating an accelerated buildup of its nuclear arsenal.

The China Military Power Report released by the Pentagon on Thursday also says Beijing will probably have over 1,000 such warheads by 2030.

The annual document says the pace of growth of China's nuclear arsenal is "on track to exceed previous projections." In last year's report, the Pentagon estimated that China will likely amass about 1,500 warheads by 2035 if it maintains its pace of nuclear expansion.

The latest report also says China "may be exploring development of conventionally-armed intercontinental range missile systems" that would reach the continental US.

It warns that China "continued throughout 2022 to accelerate the modernization, diversification, and expansion of its nuclear forces, as well as the development of its cyberspace, space, and counterspace capabilities."