
China is developing a large nuclear fusion research site in Mianyang, a city long tied to advanced military projects. Analysts examining satellite images say the facility, significantly larger than the United States’ National Ignition Facility (NIF), could contribute to both energy development and nuclear weapons advancements.
The facility is designed with four laser bays and a central chamber, a layout similar to NIF, which is used for laser fusion research. Experts warn that such a structure allows for scientific experiments that, while aimed at clean energy, could also enhance nuclear weapons design without violating test bans.
🇨🇳 CHINA BUILDING MASSIVE NUCLEAR FUSION FACILITY—50% LARGER THAN U.S. SITE
China appears to be constructing a massive fusion research site in Mianyang, estimated to be 50% larger than the U.S. National Ignition Facility.
Satellite images reveal a layout for advanced laser… pic.twitter.com/mlIzTnAERt
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 29, 2025
China has made substantial investments in fusion technology, now spending around $1.5 billion per year — nearly twice what the U.S. government allocates for similar research. The country’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), also known as the “artificial sun,” recently achieved a record-setting plasma reaction lasting over 1,000 seconds.
🌟 BREAKING RECORD IN FUSION RESEARCH! 🌟
The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), China's "artificial sun," just set a new world record with 1,066 seconds of stable, high-energy plasma! 🔥 A huge leap in the global quest for clean, limitless fusion energy.… pic.twitter.com/BPvx2LnV4I
— Chinese Academy of Sciences (@CAS__Science) January 23, 2025
Beijing’s nuclear weapons stockpile has also been growing rapidly. According to the Pentagon, China now has more than 600 operational warheads, an increase of over 100 from previous estimates. The expansion has fueled concerns that the country is positioning itself for greater strategic leverage.
China is putting a lot into Fusion research…wants to be originator in some technology…but like I said, whatever the confinement, magnetic or not, the odds of a reactor feeding even 100MW into the grid is not happening anytime now… https://t.co/RxtoMXryVL pic.twitter.com/DhzLzPwS1U
— David.R (@DavidR870617) January 28, 2025
While the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty prohibits full-scale nuclear detonations, it allows for research using laser-based fusion technology. Experts say this loophole enables China to improve its nuclear capabilities without conducting actual explosions.
The NIF in California made headlines in 2022 when it successfully generated more energy from a fusion reaction than it consumed, a major milestone in nuclear research. The newly discovered site in Mianyang suggests China is aiming for similar breakthroughs, further advancing its role in fusion technology.