China is constructing a massive laser facility dedicated to fusion energy research.
Initially met with curiosity, the project is now seen by experts as a potential turning point—both for clean energy and covert weapons development. Analysts warn this facility could shift the balance of power in the global tech race, raising questions about the future of global energy and security.
When reviewing satellite images with a former military analyst, the author observed the complex’s unusual star-shaped design—four massive “arms” converging toward a central hub. Dubbed the Large Laser Fusion Laboratory, its reaction chamber is roughly 50% larger than the U.S. National Ignition Facility (NIF), a $3.5 billion-funded project long considered the leader in fusion research.
This new complex underscores China’s bold ambitions to dominate this cutting-edge field.