By hannover-web.com On this day 60 years ago, at 3 PM, a significant event unfolded in the arid desert of Lop Nur, Xinjiang, China. A burst of golden light erupted, a fireball leaped into the sky, and a tremendous mushroom cloud soared upward. The secret operation codenamed “Lao Qiu” finally revealed its purpose to the world—China successfully detonated its first atomic bomb!
That evening, Xinhua News Agency released a photograph of the nuclear explosion’s mushroom cloud, while the People’s Daily published special editions. With this milestone, China became the fifth nation, following the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France, to possess nuclear weapons, leaving the world in shock. The “East’s Great Sound” represented not just a fiery spectacle but also the clenched fist of the Chinese people—a testament to their talent and determination!
The success of the first atomic bomb undermined the nuclear monopoly held by superpowers, significantly elevating China’s international standing. Leading up to this day, the scientists behind the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” project worked tirelessly to establish a security barrier for the new China. Their motto resonated powerfully: “Accomplishing earth-shattering tasks, remaining nameless and faceless.” Behind this monumental achievement were countless scientists who dedicated their lives to the endeavor, remaining largely anonymous in their contributions. As Qian Sanqiang, a key figure in the atomic bomb development, once remarked, “Science knows no borders, but scientists do have a homeland.”
Qian Sanqiang was among the engineers who returned to China during turbulent times, rejecting luring offers from abroad. He emphasized the essence of national loyalty, stating, “I am willing to serve my country!” Appointed as the Chief Engineer and Designer when China initiated its independent atomic bomb program in 1960, he not only engaged in extensive research but also tirelessly recruited talent. Under his leadership, many distinguished scientists came back to contribute to the national effort, with 15 out of the 23 honored scientists later recognized for their roles in “Two Bombs, One Satellite” having been persuaded by him to return.
On the day of the atomic bomb’s explosion, which coincided with his 51st birthday, he pointedly declared, “The development of China’s atomic bomb is by no means the achievement of just a few individuals, nor solely of myself, Qian Sanqiang; it is a collective triumph!”
Wang Chengshu, one of the few women involved in the development of China’s first atomic bomb and a pioneer in uranium isotope separation, also made a remarkable contribution. Despite studying abroad, her heart remained tied to her homeland. In 1958, when Qian invited her to join the nuclear fusion research project, she promptly responded, “I am willing!”
In 1961, when progress on the core fuel research lagged, Qian approached her again for the responsibility of high-enrichment uranium development. Once more, she affirmed, “I am willing!” Wang lived a life of simplicity and selflessness, donating her life savings of 100,000 yuan to the Hope Project before she passed away.
Another notable figure, Wang Ganchang, made a similar commitment. Faced with the country’s need for nuclear weapon research, he relinquished his own research interests to lead the atomic bomb project. When asked if he would be willing to adopt a new name for the project, Wang quickly chose “Wang Jing,” asserting, “I can do it! I am willing to serve my country!”
For 17 years, even his own family was unaware of where he was or what he was doing. Yet on the day of the atomic bomb test, he emerged with the ecstatic crowd, arms raised in jubilation, tears of joy streaming down his face as he shouted, “We did it! We succeeded!”
Deng Jiaxian, who took on the theoretical design leadership, also shared in that fervor. Before embarking on his secretive path in 1958, he kept his work from his wife. “My life is dedicated to the future work,” he told her, “If I achieve this, my life will have great value; even if I die for it, it will be worth it!”
Years later, on his deathbed, he insisted on leaving the hospital to visit Tiananmen Square, expressing hopes for the nation’s future. “Will people remember us in 30 years?” he pondered. Today, 60 years later, the names of these heroes resonate across the nation, their deeds known and celebrated by all. They stand as enduring monuments in history, forever shining brightly.
Over the past 60 years, China has made remarkable advances in its military capabilities. Key milestones include the successful test of the first nuclear warhead missile on October 27, 1966; the hydrogen bomb airburst test on June 17, 1967; and the successful launch of the first artificial satellite on April 24, 1970. Today, the People’s Liberation Army enters a new era of modernization, exemplified by advancements in air, sea, and land capabilities.
Today, we salute the efforts of our predecessors and honor the dynamic progress of our nation!
