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 hazardous materials. Another valley houses a double-fenced facility, Pingtong, where experts suspect China is crafting plutonium-packed nuclear warheads. The main structure, featuring a towering 360-foot ventilation stack, has undergone recent renovations with new vents and heat dispersers, alongside ongoing construction. Above the Pingtong facility's entrance, a massive exhortation from Chinese leader Xi Jinping, visible from space, urges loyalty and mission awareness. These developments join a network of secretive nuclear sites in Sichuan, expanding and upgrading in recent years. China's nuclear buildup complicates global arms control efforts post-treaty expiration with Russia, with Washington pushing for China's inclusion in successor agreements, which Beijing has thus far rejected. Renny Babiarz, a geospatial intelligence expert, links these sites to China's aspirations of global superpower status, emphasizing nuclear weapons' integral role. Each nuclear location, he notes, contributes to a mosaic of rapid growth, with changes accelerating since 2019. This expansion has sparked tension with the United States, leading to accusations of secret nuclear tests, which Beijing denies. China's nuclear arsenal, estimated at over 600 warheads by 2024, is set to reach 1,000 by 2030, according to the Pentagon. Matthew Sharp, a former State Department official, warns of the absence of dialogue on these topics, highlighting the danger of reacting to worst-case scenarios. The sites in Sichuan, established during Mao Zedong's 'Third Front' project, aimed to shield China's nuclear facilities from US or Soviet strikes. This era of secrecy and expansion has evolved, with many 'Third Front' facilities now closed or downsized, and scientists often relocated to Mianyang. The recent surge in construction and upgrades, including a laser ignition lab in Mianyang, raises questions about China's intentions. The Pingtong complex's design suggests plutonium pit production, similar to facilities in the US. Zitong's new bunkers and ramparts may be for high-explosive testing, crucial for nuclear chain reactions. However, the precise objectives of these upgrades remain debated, with satellite imagery offering limited insights. Some changes may be safety upgrades, while others could support warhead modifications for new weapons, such as submarine-launched missiles. The larger, more modern arsenal raises concerns about China's behavior in crises, particularly regarding Taiwan, as China seeks immunity from nuclear coercion by the US.
