Milestones in China's nuclear industry

Launch of China's first nuclear-powered submarine

Starting from 1958, numerous Chinese researchers have dedicated themselves to the research and design of the nuclear-powered submarine. Following extensive trials and testing, China successfully launched its first nuclear-powered attack submarine on Dec 26, 1970, making China the fifth country in the world capable of autonomously researching, developing and possessing nuclear submarines.

The successful development of "the two nuclear weapons and the nuclear-powered submarine" has forged a strong "nuclear shield" for China, laying the foundation for the development of nuclear power and subsequently paving the way for the civilian use of nuclear energy.