A U.S. intelligence report says China could have between 75 and 100 
long-range nuclear-armed missiles aimed at the United States by the year 
2015, many of them on hard-to-find mobile launchers. 

The National Intelligence Estimate, a combined analysis by various 
intelligence agencies, says China sees a larger, mobile missile force as 
necessary to maintain its nuclear deterrent against the United States. 

The report, released Wednesday, says China currently has about 20 single 
warhead intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United
States. It says within a few years China may have the capability of arming 
its missiles with multiple warheads. 

In Beijing, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman dismissed the U.S. report as 
"baseless speculation," but added that China will build up its military forces
in accordance with its own needs. 

The U.S. intelligence report also says by 2015, North Korea and Iran are likely
to possess long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. 

Washington wants to deploy a missile defense shield to protect against any long 
range missile threats. Russia and China have opposed the U.S. missile defense 
system, saying it could lead to a renewed arms race. 

As for Iraq, the U.S. report says it could test long-range missiles before 2015, 
but only if U.N. sanctions against Baghdad are lifted. However, the report says 
that possibility is unlikely. 





Sources
Voice of America