China quietly expands its nuclear arsenal - CNN
Flag of China (Photo: Getty Images)
A new investigation has revealed a large-scale expansion of China's nuclear infrastructure in Sichuan province, where villages were previously razed to make way for the construction of strategic facilities, according to CNN.
Beijing's secret plans
In 2022, residents of a village in Sichuan province who sought to understand the reasons for the confiscation of their land and eviction received a short answer from local officials: it is a state secret.
The CNN investigation showed that behind this lie China's secret plans to expand its nuclear arsenal.
New facilities on the site of the razed village
Satellite images confirm that more than three years later, the village has been completely destroyed, and new structures have been built on its site to support key nuclear facilities.
The infrastructure expansion coincides with an analysis of dozens of official documents and points to the largest campaign of nuclear weapons modernization in decades, as noted by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Unique elements and protection of the facilities
Experts' attention was drawn to a huge dome of unconventional shape on the banks of the Tongjiang River, covering an area of 36,000 square feet.
The dome is equipped with facilities for handling highly radioactive materials, including uranium and plutonium, and is surrounded by protective structures with radiation monitors, blast-proof doors, and a ventilation system.
The site is known as Zone 906 and is controlled by three layers of fences with tunnels in the mountain range.
China’s nuclear strategy
A CNN analysis shows that the transformation began in 2021 following an order by Xi Jinping to accelerate the development of strategic deterrence forces.
Beijing is expanding its early warning and missile launch capabilities, making its nuclear arsenal a critical element in the event of a potential conflict around Taiwan.
Impact on global security
Experts warn that the rapid expansion of China’s arsenal could trigger a new arms race and increase tensions in relations between the US and China.
Senior researcher Tong Zhao notes that the development of strategic capabilities has a psychological effect on Western countries and contributes to the recognition of China’s growing influence.
Risks and diplomatic consequences
China’s growing advantage and Xi Jinping’s consolidated control over the military give Beijing an edge in a potential arms race, while preparations for negotiations on strategic security issues, including nuclear matters, may prove symbolic and fail to lead to real arms reductions.
China has deployed outdated supersonic fighter jets, converted into strike drones, at six airbases near the Taiwan Strait.
Additionally, China responded to threats by Donald Trump to destroy Iranian power plants, warning of possible escalation and describing such actions as illegal.
