Satellite images analyzed by Reuters reveal that China is building a vast network of military infrastructure around its nuclear missile silos in the northwest of the country, a development that several experts believe is designed to bolster Beijing's ability to survive a possible first US nuclear strike.
In a remote desert region near the Hami silo field in Xinjiang, images show more than 80 launch platforms, bunkers, communication centers and several octagonal facilities spread over thousands of square kilometers.
According to analysts consulted by Reuters, these platforms could accommodate mobile missile launchers as well as air defense systems. Other structures appear intended for electronic warfare, satellite communications, and military command operations.
Experts believe this network aims to guarantee China's nuclear retaliatory capability in the event of an attack on its fixed facilities. Beijing already possesses missiles capable of reaching the entire United States, but the development of this infrastructure demonstrates a massive effort to secure its strategic arsenal.
Alexander Neill, a research associate at the Pacific Forum, said that this expansion represented "a considerable strengthening and diversification of China's strategic nuclear deterrence."
China's nuclear doctrine is officially based on the principle of "no first use" of nuclear weapons. Beijing maintains that its nuclear forces would only be used in response to an enemy nuclear attack. However, some Western officials and analysts fear that China could use its nuclear power as leverage in a conflict over Taiwan.
The new infrastructure is centered around two large octagonal facilities built in eastern Xinjiang over the past six years. Satellite images show that they include housing for military personnel as well as facilities capable of accommodating heavy military vehicles.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense did not respond to Reuters' questions regarding these developments. The Pentagon also declined to comment on intelligence-related matters.
The strengthening of China's nuclear arsenal is one of the most closely watched aspects of the military modernization being carried out by the president Xi Jinping, in a context of growing tensions with the United States over Taiwan and strategic competition between the two powers.
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Independent observers should be careful when using unanalyzed images (such as Google Maps) not to confuse military bases with similar-looking civilian facilities in this region.
We are witnessing here the change of scale of Chinese nuclear power, from a level comparable to that of France to the level of Russia.
The prepared launch pads will be used to accommodate the DF-41 or their successors in their travels, because these missiles do not travel everywhere but remain in areas secured against air, electronic or sabotage commando attacks.
The geopolitical consequence will be a stretched-out United States, subject to competition from two major players, who will continue to insist in any negotiations on excluding Russia and China from a single treaty limiting trade. The effort to address this will then be insurmountable, even if Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea come to the rescue, due to the current economic situation (slowed growth or even recession, and high debt).