China's secret nuclear expansion: New warhead facilities detected in Sichuan mountains
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China’s nuclear capabilities are expanding rapidly, with satellite imagery revealing new facilities in Sichuan Province that suggest a modernization effort. These sites, near Zitong and Pingtong, appear to be related to nuclear weapons production and testing. Experts warn this could complicate global arms control efforts and shift the balance of power.
The facilities detected in southwest China’s mist-covered valleys include heavily secured sites believed to produce plutonium cores and test high explosives. These developments align with a broader push to modernize China’s nuclear arsenal, potentially increasing its stockpile from over 600 warheads by 2024 to 1,000 by 2030. This growth is concerning to US officials, who worry it could influence China’s actions in regional conflicts like the Taiwan issue.
Analysts note that while China’s nuclear force remains smaller than those of the U.S. and Russia, its rapid expansion challenges efforts to revive international arms control agreements. Beijing has shown no interest in participating in new treaties, leaving global nuclear stability uncertain. The changes at these sites reflect China’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global superpower, with implications for US-China relations and regional security.
This development underscores the growing tensions between major powers and raises questions about the future of arms control. As China enhances its nuclear capabilities, the potential risks to global stability and US strategic interests in Asia are significant.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026