
New satellite images indicate that China is constructing an advanced nuclear research facility in Mianyang, a city long associated with its defense industry. The site, which bears a striking resemblance to the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California, appears to be significantly larger than its American counterpart.
The facility includes a central experimental chamber surrounded by four laser bays, a design commonly used in laser-based fusion research. This type of research plays a key role in nuclear energy development but can also be applied to weapons testing, raising concerns among defense analysts.
🇨🇳 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
Experts note that China is significantly outspending the U.S. in nuclear fusion research, allocating approximately $1.5 billion annually. The country has made significant progress in its fusion experiments, with its Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) setting records for sustained high-temperature plasma reactions.
🌟 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
William Alberque, a nuclear policy specialist, has warned that countries with this level of fusion capability can enhance existing nuclear warhead designs without the need for full-scale explosive tests. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty prohibits such detonations, but laser-driven fusion remains legal, allowing for continued research.
The Pentagon has reported that China’s nuclear arsenal has expanded to over 600 operational warheads, an increase of more than 100 in the past year. U.S. officials say this buildup enhances China’s ability to target American cities, military bases and leadership sites.
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
China’s facility in Mianyang is the latest sign of its growing nuclear ambitions. While officially described as a research center, its capabilities suggest it could play a role in both military and energy applications, further shifting the balance in global nuclear strategy.