Chinese Nuclear Experts Believe That North Korea Has 20 Nuclear Warheads

The Australian/Wall Street Journal: China Warns North Korean Nuclear Threat Is Rising

Pyongyang could double nuclear-weapons arsenal by next year, according to latest Beijing estimates

China’s top nuclear experts have increased their estimates of North Korea’s nuclear weapons production well beyond most previous U.S. figures, suggesting Pyongyang can make enough warheads to threaten regional security for the U.S. and its allies.

The latest Chinese estimates, relayed in a closed-door meeting with U.S. nuclear specialists, showed that North Korea may already have 20 warheads, as well as the capability of producing enough weapons-grade uranium to double its arsenal by next year, according to people briefed on the matter.

A well-stocked nuclear armory in North Korea ramps up security fears in Japan and South Korea, neighboring U.S. allies that could seek their own nuclear weapons in defense. Washington has mutual defense treaties with Seoul and Tokyo, which mean an attack on South Korea or Japan is regarded as an attack on the U.S.

WNU Editor: The Chinese are worried .... otherwise they would have said nothing.

More News On Chinese Reports Believe That North Korea Has 20 Nuclear Warheads

Just How Many Nuclear Weapons Does North Korea Have? A Look at the Numbers -- WSJ
China warns North Korea's nuclear arsenal is expanding, report says -- The Guardian
North Korea's nuclear arsenal could be twice as big as earlier estimates -- The Telegraph
China warns on rising North Korea nuclear capability-WSJ -- Reuters
North Korea said to have even more nuclear warheads than previously thought, WSJ reports -- National Post/Bloomberg
US Report: China Believes N. Korea Has 20 Nuclear Bombs -- VOA
China reportedly issues new warning over North Korean nuclear production -- FOX News
North Korea expands nuclear arsenal, Chinese experts say -- USA Today
Chinese experts reportedly say North Korea may have 20 nuclear warheads -- CSM
US report: Chinese experts warn of expanding North Korean nuclear arsenal -- Deutsche Welle
Chinese Experts Sound Alarms on North Korea’s Nuclear Program -- The Diplomat
North Korea Could Have 40 Nuclear Warheads By 2016 -- Washington Free Bacon
China: North Korea could double its nuclear arsenal to 40 warheads -- UPI
North Korea’s Nuclear Arsenal Is Bigger Than We Thought -- Michael Auslin, Commentary