China builds vast nuclear war network, sparks Indo-Pacific alarm

Beijing: China is rapidly expanding a vast military infrastructure network around key nuclear missile bases, according to satellite imagery analysed by security experts, in a development likely to intensify strategic anxieties across the Indo-Pacific. The network reportedly includes more than 80 concrete launch pads and three massive octagonal command complexes spread across desert regions of Xinjiang and Gansu provinces near the country’s crucial Hami missile field.

Experts from organisations, including the Federation of American Scientists, who examined satellite images released by Reuters, described the scale of the construction as extraordinary and unlike anything previously observed. The images suggest Beijing is significantly strengthening the infrastructure supporting its nuclear missile force and preparing for more resilient military operations.

The launch facilities are linked by an extensive road network and are believed to be designed for road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile launchers and advanced air-defence systems. The two major military complexes near the Hami missile base reportedly contain troop housing, bays for heavy military vehicles, underground weapons storage facilities, railway links and runways.

Satellite imagery of a third octagonal complex revealed bomb-damaged structures and mock-ups resembling Western military aircraft, leading analysts to believe the site is being used as a military training and targeting range. The facilities are reportedly connected through underground cable networks and are expected to function as command-and-control centres capable of directing operations even during extreme conflict scenarios.

According to the assessment, the construction is intended to strengthen China’s “second-strike” nuclear capability, ensuring that its nuclear arsenal can survive a surprise enemy attack and launch an immediate retaliatory strike. Advanced electronic warfare towers designed to disrupt enemy radar systems and satellite communications have also reportedly been installed.

Unlike the United States and Russia, which rely heavily on hardened underground missile silos, China appears to be adopting a new defence strategy that combines mobile missile launchers with an extensive security network.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned at a major Asian defence summit in Singapore that China’s expanding military capabilities were causing growing concern throughout the Indo-Pacific region. He said regional nations were closely monitoring Beijing’s increasing military activity amid tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Although China maintains a “no first use” nuclear policy, Western countries fear the rapidly expanding infrastructure could be used to intimidate rivals during regional disputes.