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Octagonal military facilities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region captured in satellite photos[Vantor/Reuters=Yonhap News file photo][Vantor/Reuters=Yonhap News file photo]
Reuters reported on the 29th that satellite imagery shows China is building an extensive network of launch pads near nuclear missile silos in a northwest desert. Analysts working with Reuters say the new infrastructure—launch pads, bunkers and communications hubs—is expanding around the Hami nuclear silo complex in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Experts who reviewed the imagery estimate more than 80 launch pads are under construction. Those sites could host mobile missile launchers or support air-defense systems. The build-up centers on two octagonal complexes constructed in eastern Xinjiang over the past six years. Both sit southwest of the Hami silo field: one roughly 140 km (87 miles) away, the other about 230 km (143 miles) away.Analysts say the network would strengthen Beijing’s second-strike capability and overall nuclear deterrent. Second-strike capability refers to the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons after sustaining a nuclear attack.Alexander Neill, a researcher at the Pacific Forum think tank in Hawaii, said, “We can see this infrastructure being erected on a massive scale, covering thousands of square kilometers of desert beyond the silo field. We are witnessing a significant strengthening and diversification of China’s strategic nuclear deterrent.”Five security experts interviewed by Reuters agreed the infrastructure could support China’s nuclear program and other military missions. They cautioned, however, that it remains unclear which weapons would be deployed or whether the octagonal complexes would host truck-mounted ballistic missiles or facilities for nuclear warheads.China publicly maintains a no-first-use nuclear policy, but analysts have warned Beijing could use nuclear threats to deter outside intervention during a conflict over Taiwan. President Xi Jinping warned U.S. President Donald Trump—who visited China earlier this month—that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger a conflict.U.S. officials and experts say China is expanding its nuclear forces faster than any other country. A recent U.S. Defense Department report projected China could field about 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030. China’s Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment, and the U.S. Defense Department declined to comment on military intelligence matters.#China #launchPads #nuclearDeterrent #nuclearWeapons Yonhap News TV — For news inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 Jang Hyo-in (hijang@yna.co.kr)
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