China Expands Nuclear Capabilities With High-Tech Fusion Facility

A massive fusion research facility is taking shape in Mianyang, China, a city known for its military and nuclear research. Satellite images reveal a complex featuring multiple laser bays and an experimental chamber, indicating that China is advancing its nuclear technology in ways that could impact both energy and defense sectors.

This facility is modeled similarly to the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the United States but appears to be larger in scale. Fusion research is widely associated with clean energy, but experts warn that these same technologies can be used to refine nuclear weapons without the need for traditional explosive tests.

China’s investment in fusion technology has outpaced the United States, with an estimated $1.5 billion allocated annually to such projects. The country has already demonstrated its progress through the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), which recently sustained a high-temperature plasma reaction for over 1,000 seconds.

Alongside its push for fusion research, China has dramatically expanded its nuclear arsenal. The Pentagon recently estimated that China now has more than 600 operational nuclear warheads, an increase of over 100 in a short period. This rapid buildup has raised concerns among defense analysts about Beijing’s long-term strategic goals.

Despite being a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, China is legally able to conduct laser fusion experiments, which do not fall under the treaty’s restrictions. This allows research to continue without violating international agreements while still advancing nuclear capabilities.

Mianyang has long been a hub for China’s scientific and military research. The development of this new fusion facility signals China’s commitment to increasing its influence in both nuclear energy and national defense.