Satellite imagery reveals that China is constructing an extensive military infrastructure in the Xinjiang desert, including launch sites, bunkers and communications hubs, in a major push to protect and enhance its long-range nuclear forces amid rising tensions with the United States.
China is building a military complex in the desert near silo-based launch facilities that house the long-range missiles of its armed forces, new satellite imagery suggests.
Images analysed by several news organisations show that Beijing is developing a sprawling network of launch pads, bunkers and communications nodes close to isolated nuclear silos containing the People’s Liberation Army’s longest-range missiles.
According to the analysis, more than 80 launch sites and three octagonal structures have already been completed near the Hami nuclear bunker field.
The photographs also reveal facilities that could be used for electronic warfare, satellite communications and operational command, according to three security analysts who reviewed the images.
The new desert infrastructure is concentrated around two octagonal installations built over the past six years in eastern Xinjiang. Both lie to the south-west of the Hami nuclear silos – one approximately 140km away, the other about 230km. Satellite imagery indicates that the octagonal compounds house personnel accommodation and major military equipment.
Railway lines, a rail terminal, an airstrip, possible fuel depots and reinforced bunkers are also visible around the site.
The scale of the construction points to a significant expansion of infrastructure designed to protect and operate China’s land-based nuclear forces. Taken together, the network signals a marked improvement in Beijing’s efforts to secure a second-strike capability amid growing friction with Washington over issues including the sovereignty of Taiwan.
