New satellite imagery shows that China is rapidly expanding and modernizing covert nuclear weapons facilities deep in Sichuan Province, raising global concern over its growing arsenal.
Experts analyzing images from 2022–2026 highlight major construction at Zitong and Pingtong, including hardened structures, extensive piping, and large ventilation systems — features consistent with handling plutonium and other nuclear materials. The Pingtong site shows a 360‑foot‑high vent stack, likely part of modernized plutonium pit production.
These developments appear part of a broader acceleration of China’s nuclear program since 2019, updating facilities originally built in the 1960s “Third Front” effort to shield sensitive work. Analysts estimate China could reach over 600 nuclear warheads by 2026, potentially 1,000 by 2030.
Beijing has not explained the purpose of these expansions. The growth comes amid the absence of a global nuclear arms control framework including China, following the expiration of key U.S.-Russia treaties.
While satellite images confirm infrastructure expansion, exact production or testing activity remains unclear, leaving the full scope of China’s nuclear strategy uncertain.
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