China is secretly expanding its nuclear arsenal — CNN
Beijing’s secret plans
In 2022, villagers in Sichuan province who tried to find out the reasons for the confiscation of their land and their eviction received a brief response from local officials: it was a “state secret”.
A CNN investigation has revealed that behind this lie China’s secret plans to expand its nuclear arsenal.
New facilities on the site of the demolished village
Satellite images confirm that, more than three years later, the village has been completely demolished and new structures have been built in its place to support key nuclear facilities.
The expansion of infrastructure coincides with an analysis of dozens of official documents and points to the largest nuclear weapons modernisation campaign in decades, as noted by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Unique features and facility security
Experts’ attention was particularly drawn to a huge, unusually shaped dome on the banks of the Tunjiang River, covering an area of 36,000 square feet.
The dome is equipped to handle highly radioactive materials, including uranium and plutonium, and is surrounded by a protective structure featuring radiation monitors, blast-proof doors and a ventilation system.
The site is known as Area 906 and is secured by three layers of fencing with tunnels through the mountain range.
China’s nuclear strategy
CNN analysis shows that the transformation began in 2021 following Xi Jinping’s directive to accelerate the creation of strategic deterrence forces.
Beijing is bolstering its early detection and missile launch capabilities, making its nuclear arsenal a critical element in the event of a potential conflict over Taiwan.
Impact on global security
Experts warn that the accelerated expansion of China’s arsenal could trigger a new arms race and heighten tensions in US-China relations.
Senior Research Fellow 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 implications
China’s growing superiority and Xi’s consolidated control over the military give Beijing an advantage in a potential arms race, whilst preparations for negotiations on strategic security issues, including nuclear matters, may prove symbolic and fail to lead to any real reduction in armaments.
