Why has China doubled its nuclear capacity in the last decade?

NPR | By Emily Feng,

Hannah Bloch, Daniel Ofman

Published May 10, 2026 at 5:04 PM EDT

For decades, China pared back its nuclear weapons program and kept its arsenal to a minimum. Now, new satellite images show China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and production sites. Why?

Tags

NPR

Emily Feng

Emily Feng is NPR's Beijing correspondent.

See stories by Emily Feng

Hannah Bloch

Hannah Bloch is lead digital editor on NPR's international desk, overseeing the work of NPR correspondents and freelance journalists around the world.

See stories by Hannah Bloch

Daniel Ofman

Recent Stories

WRVO is at a critical moment.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now