On December 30, 2024, China’s EAST achieved a stunning new record by maintaining plasma at an extraordinarily high temperature for an unprecedented 1,066 seconds—approximately 17 minutes. This surpasses its previous record from 2023, where plasma was sustained for 403 seconds. Controlling plasma for such an extended period is a monumental step forward in fusion research, showcasing the rapid advancements being made in China's pursuit of practical nuclear fusion energy. This achievement is not just a number; it represents a significant leap toward making fusion energy a viable reality.br EAST is part of a global effort to replicate the sun’s energy-generating process here on Earth.