Changbiao is one of the 5,000 islands along China’s vast coastline. Located in the East China Sea, the islet has historically lacked geographical or historical significance. That, however, has changed. This nondescript island, which has largely been uninhabited, has now become the epicenter of China’s ambitious nuclear arsenal development. Shrouded in mystery, the island is silently witnessing the construction of advanced ‘fast-breeder’ nuclear reactors.
Recent media reports highlight growing skepticism toward the Chinese Communist Party’s claims that these reactors are intended for ‘civilian’ use only. The Western world believes that the activities on Changbiao Island could herald the ‘third nuclear age’ for humanity.
The fast-breeder nuclear reactors—CFR-600—are sodium-cooled, pool-type, fast-neutron nuclear reactors. China has asserted that these reactors will be used to meet the country’s growing energy needs, describing them as a renewable energy source that relies on non-fossil fuels. However, a report in The Telegraph recently suggested that China might use these reactors to produce weapons-grade plutonium, significantly enhancing its nuclear arsenal.
The December 5 report also indicated that Russia is assisting China in building the reactors. Moscow is reportedly supplying critical components for the project. A 2022 satellite image of Russia’s state-owned atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, allegedly showed a fuel load being transported to the Chinese island.
A recent US Department of Defense assessment also stated that China is likely using the CFR-600 reactors for plutonium production. According to The Telegraph, the first reactor is already operational at 50% capacity, while the second reactor is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
A major concern is the secrecy surrounding these reactors. China has maintained strict confidentiality about operations on Changbiao Island. No one outside the country is fully aware of what is happening there. A 2021 Al Jazeera report noted that China did not provide necessary declarations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for database updates. Consequently, the reactors have not been included in the global database.
As per 2021 data from the nuclear watchdog IAEA, China has as many as 50 fully operational nuclear reactors. However, this list does not include the two fast-breeder nuclear reactors on Changbiao Island.
Fast-breeder reactors use fast neutrons to generate more plutonium compared to conventional nuclear fuels. This process is particularly effective at producing ultra-pure plutonium-239, which is ideal for manufacturing nuclear weapons.
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