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(Friday, October 16, 1964, 3:00 p.m., China Standard Time) — The People’s Republic of China today became the fifth nation in the world to possess nuclear weapons, following a successful detonation of an atomic bomb at the Lop Nor test site in Xinjiang’s remote desert.

The 25-kiloton bomb, code-named “596,” was exploded at precisely 3:00 p.m. China Standard Time. This landmark event places China alongside the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France as the only nations with atomic capabilities.

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The test, conducted in secrecy, represents a major shift in global power dynamics. China’s entry into the nuclear club is expected to have far-reaching implications, both in Asia and internationally.

While details of the bomb’s development remain undisclosed, this test demonstrates China’s growing technological and military capacity, significantly enhancing its strategic position on the world stage.