
A newly identified nuclear fusion research center in China’s Sichuan province is raising questions about its potential applications. Satellite images reveal a large facility in Mianyang, designed in a way that suggests it could be used for both scientific and military purposes.
The site features multiple laser bays surrounding a central testing chamber, closely resembling the layout of the U.S.-based National Ignition Facility (NIF). This type of fusion research is often promoted as a pathway to clean energy but can also be used to refine nuclear warhead designs.
🇨🇳 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 been pouring resources into nuclear fusion, now spending about $1.5 billion annually — nearly double what the U.S. dedicates to similar projects. The country has made notable progress in sustaining high-temperature plasma reactions, recently achieving a record-setting 1,066-second run with its Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST).
🌟 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
Military analysts note that China has rapidly expanded its nuclear arsenal, now estimated to include over 600 operational warheads. This growth, combined with advancements in fusion research, has raised concerns about the nation’s strategic ambitions.
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
International agreements prohibit live nuclear weapons tests, but research using laser fusion is permitted. Experts argue that China is taking full advantage of these regulations to develop more advanced nuclear capabilities without violating treaty obligations.
Mianyang has long been a hub for China’s nuclear and military research. The construction of this new fusion facility further solidifies its role in advancing the country’s nuclear technology.