A couple+ years ago I had a one+ hour (casual) conversation with someone (important) who does fusion research (in the Princeton, NJ area). I'll spare us all the details, but his take was simple: fusion is within reach but we need more money.

Nearly everything I've read since leads me to believe he was honest and accurate. Mind you, I was just a guy with a cocktail in one hand and a shameless will to ask questions in the other. China seems to be making strides, yes.

Perhaps, being a fusion insider, you have some updates on the State of Fusion?