Are Major Powers Drifting Toward a Third World War? Rising Global Tensions Spark Concern

Amid intensifying geopolitical rivalries, defence journalist Peter Apps has warned that the world may be edging closer to a direct confrontation between major powers—raising concerns about the potential for a third global conflict.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine War continues without a clear resolution, while tensions between the United States-led Western alliance and the strategic partners of Russia and China appear to be widening. Moscow and Beijing increasingly view developments across multiple theatres—including Syria, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Venezuela, and Iran—as part of a broader strategic effort by Washington and its allies to counter their influence.

From the perspective of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the next phase of strategic pressure could be directed more explicitly toward Moscow and Beijing themselves, further deepening global polarisation.

China Accelerates Strategic Weapons Development

Against this backdrop, China has reportedly intensified its weapons testing programmes. Particular attention has focused on the DF-5B, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed under the “Dongfeng” (East Wind) series. The missile is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads and has an estimated range of approximately 12,000 kilometres, placing targets across continents within reach.

The DF-5B is believed to be capable of delivering multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), significantly enhancing its strategic deterrence capability. Reports suggest its payload could yield several megatons, far exceeding the destructive force of the atomic bombs used during the Second World War. Operational responsibility for the system lies with the Rocket Force of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Analysts estimate that, depending on trajectory and launch conditions, such a missile could reach the eastern United States—including cities such as New York City—within roughly an hour.

Emergence of the DF-5C

An even more advanced variant, the DF-5C, is reported to offer enhanced capabilities. Open-source assessments suggest it may carry a greater number of warheads and potentially achieve significantly higher speeds, further strengthening China’s long-range deterrence posture.

While military modernisation is not unique to any one power, the simultaneous expansion of strategic arsenals by multiple global actors has heightened concerns among security analysts. As geopolitical fault lines harden and trust between major powers continues to erode, the risk of miscalculation—rather than deliberate escalation—remains one of the most pressing dangers facing the international community today.