
A massive fusion research facility is taking shape in Mianyang, China, a city known for its military and nuclear research. Satellite images reveal a complex featuring multiple laser bays and an experimental chamber, indicating that China is advancing its nuclear technology in ways that could impact both energy and defense sectors.
🇨🇳 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
This facility is modeled similarly to the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the United States but appears to be larger in scale. Fusion research is widely associated with clean energy, but experts warn that these same technologies can be used to refine nuclear weapons without the need for traditional explosive tests.
🌟 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
China’s investment in fusion technology has outpaced the United States, with an estimated $1.5 billion allocated annually to such projects. The country has already demonstrated its progress through the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), which recently sustained a high-temperature plasma reaction for over 1,000 seconds.
Alongside its push for fusion research, China has dramatically expanded its nuclear arsenal. The Pentagon recently estimated that China now has more than 600 operational nuclear warheads, an increase of over 100 in a short period. This rapid buildup has raised concerns among defense analysts about Beijing’s long-term strategic goals.
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 legally able to conduct laser fusion experiments, which do not fall under the treaty’s restrictions. This allows research to continue without violating international agreements while still advancing nuclear capabilities.
Mianyang has long been a hub for China’s scientific and military research. The development of this new fusion facility signals China’s commitment to increasing its influence in both nuclear energy and national defense.