'Massive threat': US sounds alarm over China's nuclear expansion

Security expert Lincoln Parker says Australia's trade with China has fueled the machine which "ironically" is funding Iran and China. The United States is sounding the alarm on China's nuclear arms procurement - describing the buildup as the most rapid expansion and ambitious modernisation in history. The Defence Intelligence Agency estimates Beijing will have more than 1,000 nuclear weapons – many of which will be able to reach the United States. "Over the last 30 years, Australia has been pursuing a strategy of engagement which has effectively handcuffed our country to China and their interest – so that we could sell wine and iron ore and coal to fuel their machine," Mr Parker told Sky News host Erin Molan. "Which is ironically the very machine that is funding the likes of Iran and Russia and eventually will become an enemy of ours. "There is a massive threat - we are seeing outbreaks of violence and conflicts all around the world."