The brief

Analyst view

• ASIPP operates EAST tokamak and is building BEST for burning plasma demonstration.
• BEST entered four-ring assembly in 2026; first plasma targeted for late 2027.
• Target: Q≥5 and net electricity generation by 2030 from deuterium-tritium fusion.

Technical approach

As reported

Tokamak approach

Magnetic confinement from plasma current

China's tokamak program uses plasma current combined with external coils, similar to international tokamak designs, to reach high pressure and temperature.

Burning plasma

Alpha particles sustain reaction

BEST reaches burning plasma where alpha particles from fusion sustain reaction without external heating.

Long-pulse operation

Sustained D-T fusion at scale

Long-duration deuterium-tritium plasmas test reactor-relevant conditions: high density and current.