Satellite images show expansion of China’s secret nuclear facilities in Sichuan: Report

Report highlights accelerated nuclear buildup in China based on satellite images from 2022–2026

February 16, 2026

Geospatial analysis reveals new bunkers and upgraded infrastructure at key sites, indicating accelerated nuclear buildup since 2019

Satellite imagery analysis has identified a significant expansion of secretive nuclear weapons facilities in Sichuan Province in southwest China, according to a report published on Sunday.

The findings, based on geospatial analysis of images captured between 2022 and 2026, were shared by geospatial intelligence expert Renny Babiarz. The report states that China’s nuclear buildup has accelerated since 2019, signalling a shift in the country’s strategic capabilities.

At a site known as Zitong in Sichuan, imagery reportedly shows newly constructed bunkers and ramparts situated in a valley. A newly built complex at the location includes extensive piping infrastructure, which analysts say is consistent with facilities designed to handle hazardous materials.

Experts cited in the report assess that the bunkers may be used for high-explosives testing — a process involved in refining the chemical detonators that compress nuclear material within a warhead.

“You have a layer of high explosives and the shock wave at the same time implodes into the center. This needs blast tests to perfect them,” Hui Zhang, a physicist who researches China’s nuclear programmes at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, was quoted as saying after examining the findings.

Activity at Pingtong site

Satellite images also show continued activity at a double-fenced facility known as Pingtong, also located in Sichuan. The site features a main structure marked by a 360-foot-high ventilation stack.

According to the report, experts believe the facility could be involved in producing plutonium cores — commonly referred to as warhead “pits” — which are central components in nuclear weapons.

Recent imagery indicates refurbishment at the Pingtong complex, including the addition of new vents and heat-dispersion features. Additional construction has also been observed near the main building.

Babiarz reportedly noted that the architectural layout of the Pingtong facility resembles similar installations in other countries used for manufacturing nuclear warhead cores.

The report comes amid growing global attention on China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and evolving military infrastructure. Chinese authorities have not publicly commented on the specific claims outlined in the analysis.

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