Newly released satellite images indicate that China is constructing launch sites and fortified structures in anticipation of a potential nuclear missile attack. The extensive military compound is emerging near isolated nuclear silos housing China’s longest-range missiles, as per visuals from Reuters. Analysts suggest that the development aims to safeguard China’s nuclear arsenal against preemptive strikes by the U.S.
Located in eastern Xinjiang, the desert complex comprises two octagon-shaped installations established over the past six years. Positioned southwest of the Hami nuclear silo fields, one site is approximately 140 kilometers away, while the other is around 230 kilometers distant. The images depict over 80 platforms potentially designated for China’s expanding array of mobile missile launchers and air-defense systems. Additionally, the facilities could support electronic warfare, satellite communications, and command functionalities, according to security experts who studied the images.
This expansion of fortified infrastructure is part of China’s strategy to fortify and operate its land-based nuclear capabilities, particularly amidst escalating nuclear competition with the U.S. and heightened tensions regarding issues like Taiwan’s sovereignty. Alexander Neill, an adjunct fellow at Hawaii’s Pacific Forum think tank, noted the substantial scale of the ongoing infrastructure development, emphasizing a significant enhancement and diversification of China’s strategic nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Safeguarding the desert silos is crucial for China’s objective of maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent aimed at retaliation in the event of a first strike. While China possesses the ability to deploy nuclear weapons from submarines and aircraft, the silo fields in Xinjiang and Gansu remain central to its nuclear defense strategy. President Xi Jinping’s military modernization efforts, including the nuclear build-up, face scrutiny due to perceived lack of transparency, especially concerning evolving nuclear capabilities and intentions.
China’s military doctrine includes a “no first use” policy, indicating a commitment to refraining from initiating nuclear conflicts. However, some foreign diplomats and analysts suggest that China might resort to nuclear coercion to influence conflicts, particularly regarding Taiwan. President Xi recently cautioned U.S. President Donald Trump about potential consequences of mishandling disagreements over Taiwan, a region claimed by China but contested by Taiwan.
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