Nuclear weapons are cheaper to maintain than a standing army

  Soldiers need constant upkeep. Annual salaries, benefits, insurance policies, pensions, etc. ICBMs dont ask for raises, they dont have general strikes, they dont get tired, or get paid over time. Doesnt require that many technicians and engineers to keep and maintain a nuclear stockpile. Its like automation. Its cheaper to have a self automated factory than an army of factory workers in the long run. The benefits of a nuclear stockpile far exceed the cost. One billion RMB worth of ICBMs has more military effectiveness than one billion RMB worth of type 95s, or one billion RMB worth of Type 99s, or one billion RMB worth of J20s.