More than 80 launch pads identified
According to analysts who examined the satellite imagery, more than 80 launch pads have been built near the Hami nuclear silo field. The facilities appear capable of supporting mobile missile launchers and air-defence systems. The images also reveal facilities that experts believe could support electronic warfare, satellite communication, and command functions.Focus on strengthening nuclear deterrence
Experts say the growing network is part of Beijing’s effort to improve its ‘second-strike’ capability, the ability to launch a retaliatory nuclear attack if struck first.
The newly discovered infrastructure stretches across thousands of square kilometres of desert. According to Alexander Neill, an adjunct fellow at Hawaii’s Pacific Forum think tank, “We can see this infrastructure is being built on a grand scale, covering thousands of square kilometres of desert beyond the silo fields.” He also pointed out a “considerable enhancement and diversification of China’s strategic nuclear deterrent.”
While China also maintains nuclear weapons on submarines and aircraft, its land-based missile silos in the northwestern Xinjiang region and Gansu province remain the backbone of its nuclear arsenal.
Mysterious octagon-shaped military complexes
At the centre of the development are two large octagon-shaped military facilities located southwest of the Hami missile fields. Built over the past several years, these complexes contain buildings, housing for personnel and large military vehicles and several temporary structures. Satellite images show multiple layers of buildings arranged around a central core.
Military exercises involving large vehicles were observed around one of the sites in recent months. Analysts also identified large tents, camouflaged launch sites, and possible air-defence missile batteries.
Advanced communication and command systemsEach octagon-shaped facility serves as the centre of an extensive network of roads and underground connections that extend deep into the desert. These routes link the complexes to numerous concrete launch pads scattered across the rugged landscape.
While the exact purpose of the various facilities remains unclear, director of the Federation of American Scientists’ Nuclear Information Project, say the sheer scale of the project makes it difficult to dismiss any potential military role. Kristensen and Neill also believe that the conduits connecting the launch pads to the octagon-shaped facilities could house fibre-optic communication cables.
“I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It’s an extraordinary effort,” Kristensen added.
Analysts have also identified what could be a space or microwave communication facility under construction near the northernmost octagon complex. The assessment is based on the presence of satellite dishes and two large towers visible in satellite imagery.
Tong Zhao, a senior fellow in nuclear policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the octagon-shaped facilities and surrounding towers could be part of “C3 – command, control, and communications – as well as maintenance and storage activities related to China’s nuclear operations at the Hami ICBM silo site.”
Meanwhile, a third octagon-shaped facility located south of the Lop Nur nuclear test site appears to be at a much earlier stage of development.
Growing concerns in Washington
American officials have expressed concerns over the pace of China’s military expansion. According to the Pentagon’s latest assessment, China is expected to possess around 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. The report on China’s military modernization also estimates that approximately 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles are already deployed across the country’s main missile silo fields.
China has additionally been strengthening its early-warning systems, which is supported by its Huoyan-1 satellites. According to the Pentagon, the system detects an incoming ICBM within 90 seconds of launch and alerts a command center within three to four minutes.
Taiwan tensions add to concerns
The military build-up comes at a time of rising tensions between Beijing and Washington, particularly over Taiwan. China considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taiwan’s government rejects the sovereignty claim.
Although China maintains a long-standing ‘no first use’ nuclear policy, some Western diplomats and analysts believe Beijing may use nuclear coercion to limit outside involvement in a battle involving Taiwan.
