Democracy Dies in Darkness

China expands nuclear warhead manufacturing capacity, research finds

Satellite images suggest China is growing the sites where it makes warheads, while also preparing to retaliate faster — signs of its nuclear ambitions.

10 min
Nuclear capable DF-31BJ ballistic missiles are unveiled on transporters in Beijing during a military parade Sept. 3 marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
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China is rapidly overhauling a network of secret facilities used to manufacture warhead components as it expands its nuclear stockpile faster than any other country, according to an analysis of satellite imagery.

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What readers are saying

The comments reflect concerns about China's rapid expansion of its nuclear warhead manufacturing capacity, with some attributing it to global instability and the perceived unreliability of the United States as a partner. There is skepticism about China's nuclear ambitions, with... Show more
This summary is AI-generated. AI can make mistakes and this summary is not a replacement for reading the comments.
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Cate Cadell is a Washington Post national security reporter covering the U.S.-China relationship. She previously reported for Reuters News, where she was a politics correspondent based in Beijing.@catecadell
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Christian Shepherd is China correspondent for The Washington Post. He previously covered the country for the Financial Times and Reuters from Beijing.@cdcshepherd
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Álvaro is a graphics reporter who works from his hometown, A Coruña - Galicia. @alvarovalino
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