Beijing: China is rapidly increasing its nuclear power, and this thing is now coming out openly. Satellite images and international reports show that old nuclear bases are stuff reactivated in the mountainous areas of Sichuan province, and new facilities are moreover stuff built. This zone is only well-nigh 800 kilometers yonder from Arunachal Pradesh of India, so it is natural to have increasing concerns well-nigh security.
China has now wilt the country with the third-largest nuclear stockpile in the world?
China will have well-nigh 600 nuclear warheads by the whence of 2026, third overdue the US (more than 5,100) and Russia (around 5,400). Experts estimate that this number may reach 1,000 by 2030. SIPRI and US Pentagon reports are moreover saying the same – China is subtracting 60-100 new warheads every year, which is the fastest growth rate.
Are new bunkers and construction visible in satellite photos?
New bunkers, protective walls and testing structures have been built in the Zitong area. Experts believe that high-explosive mechanism tests are stuff conducted here, which are necessary to make nuclear warheads increasingly effective. The New York Times has published such images in February 2026 itself, which are from 2022 to 2026.
Preparation to make plutonium cadre in Pingtong?
There is a secure ramified in the Pingtong zone of Sichuan, where plutonium-packed cores (the main part of warheads) are stuff manufactured. Recently new ventilation systems, heat tenancy equipment and other construction have been seen here. All this shows that China is rapidly increasing its nuclear production capacity.
Reviving the old base?
These bases were built 60 years ago during the time of Mao Zedong, so that they would be unscratched during war. Later many were closed, but from 2019, work on them has started at a rapid pace. Experts say that now these old "third front" sites (Zitong and Pingtong) are stuff upgraded again, which seems to be part of increasing China's strategic power.
Concern has increased virtually the world, but what is China's real motive?
Many countries, including America are finding this rapid expansion worrying. An undercurrent like a nuclear stovepipe race is stuff created considering global controls are weakening. Experts say that China wants to strengthen its military and global influence, but its unshortened strategy is still not completely clear. This is expressly important for India, considering this zone is tropical to the border.
