In the mist-shrouded valleys of southwest China, a nuclear resurgence unfolds, marked by satellite imagery revealing a rapid expansion of nuclear facilities. One such valley, Zitong in Sichuan Province, showcases engineers' efforts in constructing new bunkers and fortifications. A complex there, bristling with pipes, hints at the handling of highly hazardous materials. Another valley houses Pingtong, a double-fenced facility, where experts believe China is crafting plutonium-packed nuclear warheads. The main structure, featuring a towering 360-foot ventilation stack, has undergone recent refurbishments with new vents and heat dispersers, alongside ongoing construction. Above Pingtong's entrance, a colossal exhortation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping, visible from space, urges citizens to stay true to their mission. These developments join a network of secretive nuclear sites in Sichuan, which have expanded and upgraded in recent years. China's nuclear buildup complicates global arms control efforts post-treaty expiration, with Washington advocating for binding China, yet Beijing remains disinterested. Renny Babiarz, a geospatial intelligence expert, likens China's nuclear sites to a mosaic, each piece contributing to a pattern of rapid growth since 2019. This expansion has sparked tension with the United States, with the State Department accusing China of secret nuclear tests, a claim Beijing denies. China's nuclear arsenal, surpassing 600 warheads by 2024 and targeting 1,000 by 2030, raises concerns. Matthew Sharp, a former State Department official, emphasizes the need for dialogue to navigate this concerning trend. The sites in Sichuan, built during Mao Zedong's 'Third Front' project, aimed to shield China's nuclear facilities from US or Soviet strikes. Danny B. Stillman, a nuclear scientist, described these sites as an 'inland nuclear empire.' Post-1980s tensions with Washington and Moscow led to facility closures or downsizing, with scientists often relocating to Mianyang's new weapons lab. However, around seven years ago, China embarked on a rapid construction and upgrade spree of nuclear facilities, with Sichuan sites accelerating. This includes a laser ignition lab in Mianyang for studying warheads without detonation. Pingtong's design suggests plutonium pit production, mirroring facilities in the US, like Los Alamos National Laboratory. Zitong's new bunkers and ramparts are likely for high explosive testing, crucial for nuclear chain reactions. The precise objective of these upgrades remains debated, with satellite imagery offering limited insight. Some changes may be safety upgrades, while others may cater to new warhead designs, especially for submarine-launched missiles. Washington's concern centers on how this arsenal might alter China's behavior in crises, particularly regarding Taiwan. China aims to resist nuclear coercion from the US, a goal aligned with a potential conventional conflict over Taiwan.
