
Satellite images indicate China is constructing a large-scale fusion research site in Mianyang, a city known for its advanced scientific projects. The site appears to be modeled after the United States’ National Ignition Facility (NIF) but is significantly larger, raising concerns among analysts about its potential military applications.
The research center, which features multiple laser bays and a central experimental area, could be used for nuclear fusion energy development or to refine nuclear weapons designs. Experts point out that while fusion energy is promoted as a clean power source, facilities of this scale can also contribute to weapons research without violating international test bans.
Decker Eveleth, a researcher at CNA Corporation, analyzed satellite images and noted that the size and structure of the facility suggest capabilities beyond purely civilian energy projects. According to Eveleth, China’s fusion center surpasses the scale of NIF, which has been instrumental in fusion research in the U.S.
🇨🇳 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
Beijing has increased funding for fusion development, now spending about $1.5 billion annually on the technology. That investment is nearly double what the U.S. allocates to similar projects. China’s fusion program has also made headlines for recent breakthroughs, including sustaining a plasma reaction at extreme temperatures for over 1,000 seconds, setting a new record.
🌟 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
The Pentagon has previously warned about China’s expanding nuclear capabilities. The number of operational nuclear warheads in China’s arsenal has reportedly grown past 600, a substantial increase from previous years. U.S. defense officials argue that China’s nuclear development poses an increasing strategic threat.
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
Despite being a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, China is able to continue advancing its nuclear research under the treaty’s allowance for non-explosive experiments. The fusion research center in Mianyang represents another step in the country’s expanding role in both energy development and military technology.