The world is currently facing war and tension on many fronts. In such an environment, big countries are continuously strengthening their military and defense systems. Meanwhile, a report in the American newspaper The New York Times has claimed that China is rapidly developing its nuclear weapons infrastructure in the south-western province of Sichuan. Construction activities have been mentioned in the report on the basis of satellite images.

According to the report, nuclear facilities located in Jitong and Pingtong areas of Sichuan province have been expanded and modernized. Xitong is said to have constructed new bunkers, fortifications and complex piping systems, indicating the management of sensitive and hazardous materials. The Pingtong site is believed to be associated with plutonium core manufacturing. There, information has come to light about upgrading the 360 ​​feet high ventilation stack and strengthening the safety infrastructure.

New satellite images published by the New York Times show a pronounced acceleration in the development of China’s nuclear program.

The site is found in the valley of Zitong, in the province of Sichuan, where bunkers and new barriers have been built. pic.twitter.com/76QjN7wlhj

— arocha (@pueblopatriota) February 16, 2026

Pentagon estimate

According to the estimates of the US Defense Department Pentagon, China may have more than 600 nuclear weapons by the end of 2026. By 2030 this number is expected to reach close to 1,000. Although this number is still considered less than the nuclear arsenal of America and Russia, experts are expressing concern about the rapidly increasing capacity.

Debate on arms control agreement

America has already accused China of conducting secret nuclear tests. During the Trump administration, demands were raised for a major nuclear weapons agreement involving China and Russia. America says that China’s participation is necessary in any future global nuclear control agreement, whereas China has shown limited interest in this direction.

expert opinion

Experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and former US officials say that the rapid increase in China’s nuclear capability could affect the global strategic balance. According to physicist Hui Zhang, high explosive tests are important for nuclear weapon design and signs of such tests have been seen in the Jitong area. Geospatial intelligence expert Renee Babiarz believes that since 2019, construction activities have intensified on these sites, which could be part of China’s strategy to become a superpower.