China is building launch pads near its nuclear missile silos: report
China is expanding its military infrastructure near nuclear missile silos to enhance its second-strike capability. Satellite images reveal the construction of over 80 launch pads and various military facilities in the Xinjiang region. This development is seen as part of China's strategy to ensure a credible nuclear deterrent amid rising tensions with the United States over issues like Taiwan.
- ▪China is building a vast military complex in a remote desert to protect its nuclear arsenal.
- ▪Satellite images show more than 80 launch pads and facilities for electronic warfare and command operations.
- ▪The construction indicates a significant upgrade in China's nuclear capabilities, aimed at ensuring a second-strike capability.
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In a remote Chinese desert, a vast military complex is taking shape that some security scholars say appears built to ensure no American first strike on China’s nuclear arsenal could reliably knock out Beijing’s ability to hit back.China’s nuclear missiles can already reach any city in the United States. Now, satellite images reviewed by Reuters show Beijing is building a sprawling web of launch pads, bunkers and communications nodes near the isolated nuclear silos that hold the Chinese military’s longest-range missiles. Pentagon chief sounds ‘alarm’ over China’s buildup, urges allies to boost defence spendThe images reveal more than 80 pads for possible use by China’s expanding fleet of mobile missile launchers and air-defence batteries.
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