China's nuclear fusion reactor, dubbed the "artificial sun," has achieved a new technological milestone with temperatures exceeding 100 million Celsius for both atomic nuclei and electrons for the first time, taking another step forward on the road toward near-limitless clean energy.
The "Huanliu-3" is a large-scale scientific device for controlled nuclear fusion, independently developed by China. Its energy generation principle is similar to the way the sun produces light and heat, which is why it is dubbed the new-generation artificial sun.
Latest experimental data shows that the device has, for the first time, reached a nuclear temperature of 117 million degrees Celsius and an electron temperature of 160 million Celsius, according to China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
"Today, we achieved the 'double 100 million degrees Celsius temperature' targets in our experiment, with the comprehensive parameters showing significant improvement. It means that our country's nuclear fusion research has now entered the burning plasma experiment stage. Our self-developed heating, control, and diagnostic equipment and systems have been put into operation for the first time, with the relevant technical indicators now reaching the forefront of the world, setting new records in our country's nuclear fusion research," said Zhong Wulyu, deputy director of the Center for Fusion Science under the Southwestern Institute of Physics of the CNNC and head of the Huanliu-3 experiment.
Experts noted that the fusion reaction of the artificial sun releases tremendous energy, draws on abundant fusion resources, and produces clean and safe byproducts, making it known as "the ideal energy source for humanity's future."
Entering the burning plasma experiment phase signifies that controlled nuclear fusion has reached a core stage toward practical application. Moving forward, researchers will further upgrade the capabilities of "Huanliu-3" to obtain key core data necessary for controlled nuclear fusion reactions.
China's "artificial sun" achieves new milestone on path toward near-limitless clean energy
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that the red line on protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Abdullah briefed Wang on the regional situation and the UAE's position, saying the country is not a party to the war, has not participated in the current conflict, and should not be subjected to illegal attacks.
He expressed appreciation for China's consistent objective and impartial stance, adding that the UAE expects China to continue to play an active and important role in the current grave circumstances to prevent further escalation of regional tensions.
The UAE will continue to take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in the country, Abdullah said.
For his part, Wang reiterated China's principled position on the current situation in Iran, noting that the spillover of war serves no one's interests and that the people of the region would be the ones to suffer.
He stressed that non-military targets related to energy, economy and people's livelihoods should not be attacked, and that the security of shipping routes must be safeguarded.
Wang noted that the UAE had worked for peace even before the conflict broke out, and that a recent foreign ministers' meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to overcome the current crisis and safeguard regional security, which China appreciates.
China backs the UAE's legitimate demands to safeguard its national security and supports countries in the region in their continued efforts to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Wang said.
China will not give up hope for peace and will continue to play a constructive role, Wang said, adding that China will send its special envoy on the Middle East issue to the region to conduct mediation efforts to help bring the region back to peace and stability.
Wang also expressed hope that the UAE will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.
Chinese FM says red line on protecting civilians in conflict must not be crossed
