
China is constructing a massive laser fusion research center in Mianyang, a city tied to advanced defense and nuclear programs. The facility, revealed through satellite images, appears to be significantly larger than the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the United States. Analysts say its design suggests it could be used for both nuclear energy development and weapons research.
🇨🇳 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
The site consists of four large laser bays positioned around a central chamber where fusion experiments will likely take place. While fusion research is often promoted as a clean energy solution, the same technology can be used to refine nuclear weapon capabilities. Defense experts warn that such facilities can improve warhead designs without violating test bans.
🌟 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 has ramped up investment in fusion technology, allocating around $1.5 billion annually — nearly twice what the U.S. spends on similar programs. Chinese researchers recently achieved a breakthrough with their Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), sustaining extreme plasma temperatures for over 1,000 seconds.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials have raised alarms about China’s expanding nuclear arsenal. A recent Pentagon report estimated that China now possesses more than 600 operational warheads, a dramatic increase in just a year. Intelligence assessments suggest Beijing is rapidly developing the infrastructure to produce even more.
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 and the U.S. have signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which prohibits full-scale detonations. However, laser fusion research is allowed, creating a legal avenue for countries to advance nuclear technology without conducting live tests. Analysts argue this enables China to refine its arsenal while avoiding international scrutiny.
The NIF in California previously made headlines for generating more energy from fusion than the energy used to create the reaction. China’s new facility in Mianyang appears to be aimed at achieving similar results, advancing both its energy goals and potential military applications.