China tests hydrogen-based bomb that burns hotter, longer than TNT

China says it tested a new kind of explosive device, a hydrogen-based bomb that produces

thermonuclear effects. Without using fissile material, if true, this bomb could pose a lot

of problems. China says the device uses magnesium hydride, a solid powder that releases hydrogen gas

when detonated. That gas ignites into a white-hot fireball burning at over 1,800 degrees

Fahrenheit and lasts more than two seconds. That's 15 times longer than TNT. Chinese scientists say

the bomb generates a lower pressure shockwave but causes far greater thermal damage and compares to

thermobaric weapons in effect, but because it doesn't use uranium or plutonium, it doesn't

violate nuclear treaties. Defense experts say the explosion triggers a self-sustaining chain reaction

First, the explosion breaks the magnesium hydride into fine particles, releases gas

then ignites it. The result is a wide area of sustained catastrophic heat

Military ysts say it could be used to disable drones melt armored vehicles or deny access to strategic zones Of course the weapons could potentially be used against underground bunkers or fortified positions especially in urban warfare scenarios like

China may find in Taiwan if it invades the self-governing island. And because many of the

components and processes required to make the new bomb are not monitored internationally

The device is also deniable, meaning if one of these devices is ever used, there is not necessarily a surefire way to tell who did it

Until recently, though, China only produced the needed material in small batches

Now it operates a plant that can make 150 tons a year, meaning large-scale deployment is more feasible

The latest test adds to a growing list of China's recent military advancements, like energy-based weapons, and reflects China's broader push to modernize its military, including with so-called green technology

The bomb's effects were documented in a peer-reviewed paper published in a Chinese military journal

The study did not disclose where the test took place or how the People's Liberation Army might employ the device

For more of our unbiased, straight fact reporting, download the Straight Arrow News app today