While the world is engaged in war, Beijing is creating something much more dangerous
For over four weeks, the United States and Israel have been bombing Iran, seeking to deprive that country of the ability to enrich uranium and thus potentially build nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, as Donald Trump focuses on what appears to be a weaker opponent, further east, something is happening that should seriously concern the West.
The People's Republic of China is intensively developing its nuclear infrastructure. A whole network of new facilities is being built in Sichuan Province, within the famous Zitong nuclear weapons complex. Satellite photos and government documents show clearly: the center is being thoroughly modernized and significantly expanded.
On the left, the area before the reconstruction, on the right, afterAirbus / Blick.ch
Particularly noteworthy is the huge dome near the Tongjiang River. The building was completed in less than five years and covers an area of approximately 3,345 square meters – approximately the size of 13 tennis courts.
The facility belongs to the so-called location 906, which has been known to Western intelligence services for decades as part of China's nuclear program. Internally, this project was to be designated “XTJ0001”.
At the same time, the surroundings of the complex were also rebuilt. In several villages, residents were forced to leave their homes to allow for the expansion of production plants. Roads and communication hubs in the region have also been modernized. The aim of these activities is most likely to improve the transport of materials and personnel through the narrow valleys of the area.
A “Rorschach test” for your worst fears
The dome itself is considered a unique structure in technical terms. Experts describe it as highly secured:
- equipped with thick concrete walls,
- special pressure doors
- and radiation measurement devices.
A system of pipes and ventilation shafts connects the building with other installations in the complex.
This type of structures are often used in places where highly radioactive materials, such as uranium or plutonium, are processed. The entire complex is surrounded by multiple security fences. Additionally, there is a tunnel leading to the mountainside – perhaps serving as a shelter or an emergency exit.
It is not officially known what exactly will be produced in the new facilities. However, some experts believe that China intends to significantly increase the production of components for nuclear weapons.
Security expert Jeffrey Lewis, who analyzed CNN's footage, calls the installation a “Rorschach test” for Western analysts' worst-case scenarios — referring to a psychological test in which subjects interpret ambiguous images.
A new player on the nuclear scene
One thing is certain: China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country. According to estimates by the US Department of Defense, Beijing currently has just over 600 nuclear warheads. This is still significantly less than the United States and Russia, which have arsenals at least four times larger. However, experts predict that by 2030, China may have approximately 1,000 warheads.
The developments in Sichuan are consistent with this trend.
Experts warn this could lead to a new arms race – more complex and harder to control than ever before.
Will Trump be able to stop China?
Trump is currently seeking to conclude a new agreement with Moscow, and at the same time he seems to want to include Chinese President Xi Jinping in it as well.
However, new installations around the Zitong nuclear complex suggest otherwise: instead of slowing down its nuclear program, China is consistently developing it. For many experts, this is a clear signal that the People's Liberation Army is working hard to increase its nuclear capabilities – regardless of whether new disarmament treaties are negotiated in the future.
