Deng Jiaxian

Chinese scientist

Also known as: Teng Chia-hsien

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June 25, 2026

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Deng Jiaxian was a key figure in China's nuclear weapons program. Following the Chinese Civil War and facing perceived threats from the United States, China's leadership decided in 1955 to develop its own nuclear arsenal. Initially, China received scientific and technological assistance from the Soviet Union, but by 1958, they became increasingly self-sufficient. Deng Jiaxian was instrumental in the theoretical work for both atomic and thermonuclear bombs. China's first nuclear test, using uranium-235, occurred on October 16, 1964, followed by a multistage fusion device detonation on June 17, 1967.1

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nuclear weapon
China
…Academy, under the direction of Deng Jiaxian, was ordered to shift to thermonuclear work. Facilities were constructed to produce lithium-6 deuteride and other required components. By the end of 1965 the theoretical work for a multistage bomb had been completed, and manufacture of the test device was finished by the…
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…Academy, under the direction of Deng Jiaxian, was ordered to shift to thermonuclear work. Facilities were constructed to produce lithium-6 deuteride and other required components. By the end of 1965 the theoretical work for a multistage bomb had been completed, and manufacture of the test device was finished by the…
Read More