Experts: China is Building a Research Center for Laser Fusion
According to experts, China is actively constructing a major research facility for laser fusion in the southwestern city of Mianyang. This project could play a pivotal role both in the development of nuclear weapons and in exploring the potential for energy generation, reports NewsBox.
Satellite images analyzed by researchers from CNA Corp. and the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) reveal that the facility comprises four extended 'arms' for housing laser sections, as well as a central experimental hall. CNA Corp.'s Decker Eveleth indicates that the central area will house a target chamber containing hydrogen isotopes, which will be subjected to powerful lasers to initiate fusion, writes Reuters.
Eveleth notes that the Chinese facility structurally resembles the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California. In December 2022, NIF achieved a significant scientific milestone—a fusion reaction that produced more energy than was used to activate the lasers. However, the experimental hall of the Chinese center is estimated to be about 50% larger than that at NIF, potentially making it the largest in the world.
Experts believe that such technologies might be used not only for peaceful purposes but also for enhancing nuclear arsenals. William Alberque, a nuclear policy analyst at the Henry L. Stimson Center, stated: "Any country with a facility like NIF can improve nuclear weapons designs and develop new models without needing to conduct nuclear tests."
Previously, in 2020, U.S. special representative for arms control Marshall Billingslea published satellite images of the Mianyang area, where expansion of research and production facilities was noted. Now, construction documents reviewed by Eveleth and provided to Reuters confirm the existence of a facility named the "Laboratory for Key Devices of Laser Fusion" in that area.
Chinese authorities have declined to comment on this matter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs redirected journalist inquiries to the relevant agencies, and the Ministry of Science and Technology has not provided any additional information.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence also refrained from commenting on this issue. However, experts highlight that creating such facilities can significantly enhance a country's technological capabilities in the field of nuclear weapons.