China Secretly Expands Nuclear Capabilities

As global arms agreements weaken, China has been undertaking a covert expansion of its nuclear weapons infrastructure. This expansion, revealed through satellite imagery and Chinese government documents, supports claims of a significant modernization campaign by Beijing.

Villagers Displaced for 'State Secrets'

In 2022, three villagers in Sichuan province, China, inquired about the government’s confiscation of their land and subsequent eviction. The response they received was stark: the actions were a “state secret.” A CNN investigation has uncovered that this “state secret” involved China’s plans to dramatically increase its nuclear ambitions.

Evidence of Expansion in Sichuan Province

Satellite images taken more than three years after the evictions show the villagers’ homes have been completely flattened. In their place, new buildings have been constructed to support key nuclear weapons production facilities. The changes observed in Sichuan province align with previous assertions by the Trump administration regarding China’s nuclear modernization.

New Facilities and Infrastructure

The 906 Site and the 'Tic Tac' Dome

One of the most notable additions is a large, unusually shaped dome resembling a Tic Tac, emerging near the Tongjiang River. At 36,000 square feet, the reinforced dome is equipped with radiation monitors, blast doors, and a network of pipes, designed to contain highly radioactive materials like uranium and plutonium. The facility is located within a long-known CIA nuclear weapons base and is protected by three layers of security fencing.

Expansion of Existing Sites

Site 906 is being linked to at least three other nuclear weapons bases in and around Zitong county via newly refurbished roads. Another facility, Site 931, expanded into Baitu village, leading to further evictions. A rail transfer point connecting the network has also been significantly overhauled since 2021.

Historical Context and Current Stockpile

US intelligence first recognized the Zitong network as a game-changer in 1971, predicting it would establish Beijing as a major producer of nuclear warheads. This prediction came to fruition around 2020, when China’s warhead stockpiles surpassed those of France. While China currently possesses just over 600 warheads, it is the fastest producer of nuclear weapons globally, trailing behind the US and Russia, who each have stockpiles at least four times larger.

Accusations and Denials

In February, Undersecretary of State for Arms Control Thomas DiNanno accused China of violating a ban on explosive nuclear testing. Beijing vehemently denied this claim, with Chinese defense ministry spokesman Jiang Bin stating China pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense and a policy of no first use.

Concerns Over Modernization and Arms Race

Experts express concerns that China’s rapid expansion could spark a new arms race, more complex than the Cold War. The extensive modernization suggests a fundamental overhaul of the technology underlying China’s entire nuclear system. Some fear the US may overestimate China’s capabilities, potentially exacerbating nuclear proliferation.

Xi Jinping's Strategic Deterrence

The ongoing changes began in 2021, following Xi Jinping’s instruction to his military to “accelerate the construction of high-level strategic deterrence.” China has also developed early warning systems to detect incoming missiles. This bolstered arsenal is seen as a deterrent against potential Western intervention in the event of an invasion of Taiwan.

China's Response and Future Dialogue

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated they are “not aware of the situation” mentioned in CNN’s findings, while the Ministry of Defense did not respond to requests for comment. Former President Trump is expected to discuss curbing China’s nuclear ambitions during a planned visit to Beijing, but Beijing may see little incentive to concede, especially given the current geopolitical landscape.