Beijing | the-news24.com: China is building a large network of launch pads, bunkers and communications facilities near its nuclear missile silos in the remote northwest, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters.
The construction appears to be part of a major effort to strengthen China’s land-based nuclear forces and ensure the country can respond if its nuclear arsenal is attacked first.
Large Military Network in Remote Desert
The satellite images show more than 80 launch pads and several major military installations near the Hami nuclear silo field in China’s Xinjiang region.
Security analysts say the infrastructure includes concrete pads, fortified bunkers, roads, rail links, airfields and possible communications nodes spread across thousands of square kilometres of desert.
Possible Support for Mobile Missile Launchers
Analysts said the launch pads could be used for mobile missile launchers, air defence systems, electronic warfare equipment or command-and-control operations.
The network may allow China to disperse mobile military assets across a wider area, making them harder to detect or disable during a crisis.
Focus on Second-Strike Capability
Military experts believe the construction is connected to China’s effort to protect its second-strike capability.
Second-strike capability means a country can respond with nuclear weapons even after being attacked first. This is considered a central part of nuclear deterrence.
China officially maintains a “no first use” nuclear policy, meaning it says it would not be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict.
Octagon-Shaped Military Installations
The Reuters analysis also identified major octagon-shaped facilities in eastern Xinjiang, located southwest of the Hami missile silo field.
These installations appear to include housing for personnel, storage areas for military vehicles, fortified structures and support facilities linked by roads and other infrastructure.
Recent satellite images reportedly show military vehicle activity around one of the installations.
Command and Communications Facilities
Some analysts believe parts of the new network may be connected to command, control and communications operations.
Satellite imagery shows towers, possible satellite dishes and other structures that could support military communications.
Such systems would be important for coordinating nuclear forces and maintaining reliable communication during a crisis.
China’s Nuclear Expansion Under Scrutiny
China’s nuclear modernization has become one of the most closely watched developments in global security.
US officials and arms-control experts say China is expanding and upgrading its nuclear capabilities faster than any other country.
The latest Pentagon assessment has estimated that China could have around 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, though Beijing has not publicly confirmed such figures.
Rising Tensions With the United States
The reported construction comes as tensions remain high between China and the United States over Taiwan, the South China Sea and broader military competition in the Indo-Pacific.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim. The United States continues to support Taiwan’s defence capabilities, increasing friction with Beijing.
Security experts warn that nuclear competition could become more dangerous if political tensions continue rising without stronger communication between major powers.
China Has Not Commented
China’s defence ministry did not respond to questions about the reported construction and its possible connection to the country’s nuclear forces.
The Pentagon also declined to comment on intelligence-related matters.
Why the Development Matters
The scale of the construction suggests China is investing heavily in hardened military infrastructure that could support its long-range missile forces.
Experts say this may change how other countries assess China’s nuclear posture and could increase pressure for renewed arms-control talks.
Without greater transparency, analysts warn that mistrust between nuclear powers could continue to grow.
Conclusion
Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show China is building a large network of launch pads and support facilities near its nuclear missile silos in the country’s remote northwest.
While the exact purpose of all the facilities remains unclear, analysts say the construction could significantly strengthen China’s ability to protect and operate its nuclear forces during a crisis.
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May 28, 2026
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