China has inaugurated an international science program dedicated to advancing fusion burning plasma research, marking a significant step in global scientific collaboration. The program, launched in Hefei, the capital of East China’s Anhui province, was initiated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Plasma Physics. It aims to provide scientists worldwide with access to several major fusion research platforms, including the state-of-the-art Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak facility in Hefei. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to fostering international cooperation in the pursuit of clean and sustainable energy solutions through nuclear fusion, often referred to as the ‘artificial sun.’ The program is expected to accelerate breakthroughs in fusion technology, which could revolutionize energy production by mimicking the processes that power the sun. By opening its research facilities to global experts, China is positioning itself as a leader in the field of fusion energy, which holds the potential to address global energy challenges and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.