The first successful nuclear weapon test by China occurred at the Lop Nur nuclear test site in Xinjiang province, where the country detonated its first atomic bomb, codenamed '596.' This test was a culmination of years of secret research and development, initiated in the early 1950s, amidst growing geopolitical tensions during the Cold War. The leadership of the People's Republic of China, under Chairman Mao Zedong, recognized the critical importance of developing its nuclear capability not only to ensure national security but also to enhance its status on the global stage.

This endeavor was heavily influenced by the example set by the United States and the Soviet Union, both of whom demonstrated the strategic advantages of possessing nuclear weapons. China's pursuit of nuclear arms was also driven by the desire to assert itself in regional conflicts and to deter aggression from neighboring states, particularly the United States and its allies. The development process involved significant contributions from key figures like Qian Xuesen, who played an instrumental role in the project, plus collaboration with scientists from the Soviet Union.

The successful detonation, which produced a yield equivalent to approximately 22 kilotons of TNT, was a significant demonstration of China's technological advancements and strategic ambitions. The event was kept clandestine and only officially announced afterward, showcasing the regime's desire to control the narrative surrounding its military capabilities. Alongside consolidating its position in the global superpower hierarchy, this test marked a shift in international nuclear dynamics, as China emerged as the fifth nuclear-armed state following the U.S., USSR, UK, and France.