This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 60th anniversary of the successful detonation of the country’s first atomic bomb.

On October 16, 1964, at 3:00 PM, a monumental event took place over the vast Gobi Desert in Xinjiang. Accompanied by a towering mushroom cloud and a thunderous roar, China’s first atomic bomb successfully exploded. General Zhang Aiping, the commander of this historic nuclear test, expressed profound pride and emotion, declaring, “The East wind dances, rallying a thousand troops. After a century of struggle, we take our rightful place, determined to triumph as heroes.” This powerful “Eastern sound” shattered the nuclear monopoly and threats from superpowers, allowing the newly established People’s Republic of China to stand tall in the eastern world and reinforcing national pride.

Looking back 60 years, this loud explosion resonates like the roar of the “sleeping lion” as it forged an impressive legacy in an instant. Since the foundation of New China, the country’s nuclear industry has developed from nothing into a comprehensive system, significantly contributing to energy security, ecological protection, and economic growth. This journey has crafted a path of nuclear safety with Chinese characteristics and cultivated the extraordinary spirit of the “Two Bombs and One Satellite,” facilitating the remarkable leap of the Chinese nation from standing tall, to becoming prosperous, and ultimately powerful, while playing a vital role in maintaining world peace and promoting shared development.

On that pivotal day in 1964, the successful detonation of China’s self-manufactured atomic bomb boldly declared to the world that the Chinese people had independently mastered atomic bomb technology. The Chinese government simultaneously announced that it would never be the first to use nuclear weapons, no matter the circumstances.

The day the People’s Republic was established on October 1, 1949, the Chinese people emerged from a tumultuous past but faced daunting challenges. The new government inherited the remnants of an old China, with a stagnant economy and backward scientific capabilities, alongside external threats from hostile forces unwilling to accept China’s resurgence. Some extremists even threatened to wage nuclear war against China. However, the Chinese people stood resolute against tyranny, ready to fight and determined to prevail. They recognized that to oppose nuclear warfare, thwart nuclear coercion, and protect the nation’s security, a robust defense system was essential.

Visionary leaders like Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai outlined clear strategies, emphasizing the necessity to master atomic energy amid the emergence of the atomic age. Mao famously remarked, “In today’s world, to avoid being bullied, we must possess this capability.” He advocated for not only developing atomic bombs but also hydrogen bombs, and he insisted on the urgency of creating nuclear submarines. Zhou Enlai comprehensively guided the creation and evolution of China’s nuclear industry.

A pivotal moment occurred when Mao instructed the Communist Party’s Central Committee to focus on atomic energy. At a meeting on January 15, 1955, he examined uranium samples and listened to a report on China’s uranium geology. This marked the strategic decision for China to develop its atomic energy industry.

A wave of patriotic scholars returned to China, abandoning more favorable conditions abroad for the sake of their homeland. Notable figures like Qian Sanqiang and He Zehui, referred to as China’s “Marie Curie couple,” returned to contribute to the nuclear cause. In just days after earning a Ph.D. in the U.S., Deng Jiaxian declined offers to remain abroad and came back to serve his country. Similarly, 26-year-old Zhu Guangya, after rallying his fellow Chinese students in the U.S. to return home, made his way back, motivated by a passion for national revitalization. 彭桓武, who spent a decade studying in the UK, noted simply, “Returning home needs no reason; not returning requires one.”

The development of nuclear weapons began a self-reliant path in 1959 when scientists like Zhou Guangzhao expressed their dedication to national service over personal achievements. Upon returning, some, like Wang Ganchang, even adopted new names to maintain secrecy, dedicating themselves to the nuclear cause for nearly two decades. Similarly, the young scientist Yu Min joined secret hydrogen bomb research in 1961 and, decades later, received China’s top scientific award, reflecting the spirit of selfless dedication and national pride among those in the nuclear industry.

The “Two Bombs and One Satellite” project drew China’s scientists with an irresistible call to action despite incredibly challenging research conditions. The absence of modern equipment and Western embargoes posed significant obstacles. Yet, under Deng Jiaxian’s leadership, theoretical calculations propelled the design of the atomic bomb using basic tools. As Qian Sanqiang put it, what seemed like a period of hardship turned into a golden age for the Chinese spirit.

In a remote area of Jinyintan, Qinghai, the harsh environment did not deter builders like General Li Jue, who led a group of engineers in a battle devoid of gunfire. Their first act was to clear land and set up tents, laying the foundation for what would become China’s atomic city and representing the aspirations and sacrifices of many unsung heroes who contributed to the nation’s nuclear achievements.

This era was characterized by miraculous achievements, where individuals intertwined their aspirations with their nation’s destiny. The successes of China’s nuclear program culminated with the successful explosion of the first atomic bomb on October 16, 1964; the first ground-to-ground missile with a nuclear warhead on October 27, 1966; the hydrogen bomb success on June 17, 1967; and the launch of China’s first artificial satellite on April 24, 1970. Following these accomplishments, the focus shifted to nuclear submarines, with designer Peng Shilu leading a team that created China’s first nuclear submarine without using any foreign components, commissioning it into military service in 1974.

The remarkable spirit cultivated through these “Two Bombs and One Satellite” endeavors forged a legacy. General Zhang Aiping reflected on this sentiment, stating, “The atomic bomb is not just a weapon; it embodies a spirit of resilience within the Chinese nation.” In the 1980s, Deng Xiaoping emphasized the significance of these achievements for China’s status on the international stage, recognizing them as essential indicators of a nation’s strength and development.