The development of a massive new Chinese facility, described as the world's largest, could provide the nation with a critical edge in producing micron-scale super powders. These powders are vital for modern military technologies, such as stealth jets and hypersonic missiles.

Modern military supremacy – from stealth jets to hypersonic missiles – hinges on micron-scale “super powders” engineered using precision mills. A new Chinese facility unveiled last week – described as the largest in the world – may give the country a critical edge in this field. The mill in the southern province of Guangdong uses new technology that the company behind it said was 10 times more efficient than older methods and allowed for the industrial scale production of these powders. At first...