China Expands Nuclear Arsenal and Production Sites

Satellite images indicate that China has doubled its nuclear capacity over the last decade. The country had previously limited the size of its nuclear weapons program for decades. New images show expansion of both the nuclear arsenal and associated production sites. The developments mark a shift from earlier policy that kept the arsenal to a minimum.

The expansion includes facilities that support increased weapons production. China began accelerating these efforts after a period of restraint that lasted for decades. No official reason for the change has been detailed in the reporting. The satellite imagery provides visual confirmation of the growth in capacity and infrastructure.

The increases come as other nations also modernize their nuclear forces. China's program had remained smaller than those of the United States and Russia for many years prior to the recent buildup. Further details on the exact number of new weapons or sites were not specified in the available reporting. Additional analysis of the satellite data continues.