China’s New Fusion Facility Sparks Concerns Over Military Use

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 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).

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.

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.

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