China builds a nuclear "fortress" in the desert - Massive network with 80 launch bases and mysterious facilities

In an isolated Chinese desert, a massive military complex is taking shape, which, according to security analysts, appears designed so that no American nuclear first strike can reliably neutralize the Chinese counterattack capability. Chinese nuclear missiles can already strike any city in the United States. However, satellite images examined by Reuters show that Beijing is now constructing an extensive network of launch bases, fortified bunkers, and communication centers near the isolated nuclear silos that house the country's longest-range missiles.

More than 80 launch bases

China has constructed more than 80 launch bases and three octagonal facilities in the remote northwestern part of the country, near the Hami nuclear silo field. The images reveal dozens of bases likely intended for mobile missile launchers and anti-aircraft systems, as well as facilities that may be used for electronic warfare, satellite communications, and command and control operations. Three security experts who analyzed the material for Reuters estimate that the scale of the projects indicates a sweeping expansion of infrastructure designed to protect and support China's land-based nuclear forces.

The "second-strike capability" strategy

The new network is considered a significant upgrade to China's "second-strike capability" strategy, which is the ability to retaliate with a nuclear strike even after a hostile first strike. This development highlights the intensifying nuclear confrontation with the US, especially as tensions rise surrounding Taiwan. Alexander Neill, a fellow at the Pacific Forum think tank in Hawaii, stated that "this infrastructure is being built on a massive scale, covering thousands of square kilometers of desert beyond the silo fields (underground or heavily fortified facilities used for the storage and launch of missiles, mainly long-range ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons)." As he noted, depending on the final operational capabilities, it is a "very significant reinforcement and diversification of China's strategic nuclear deterrence."

Silos in Xinjiang form the core of nuclear power

The ability to protect silos in the desert is a key element of China's strategy for a "minimum but reliable nuclear deterrent." Although the People's Liberation Army possesses nuclear weapons that can be launched from submarines and aircraft, the silo fields in the Xinjiang and Gansu regions form the core of Chinese nuclear power. China's nuclear expansion is one of the most closely watched elements of President Xi Jinping's military modernization, as foreign diplomats accuse Beijing of a lack of transparency regarding its true capabilities and intentions.

The "no first use" doctrine and Western fears

A central element of Chinese nuclear strategy remains the "no first use" policy, according to which China will not initiate a nuclear conflict. However, Western diplomats and analysts estimate that Beijing may use nuclear blackmail to limit foreign involvement in a potential crisis surrounding Taiwan. Xi Jinping warned American President Donald Trump this month that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead the two countries in a "dangerous direction." The government of Taiwan rejects Chinese sovereignty claims.

The mysterious octagonal facilities

The new desert network is centered around two octagonal facilities built over the last six years in eastern Xinjiang. Satellite images show that the facilities include buildings for military personnel and large military vehicles. Around the central core are successive rings of buildings likely used for personnel housing, storage of military vehicles and launchers, command support, and weapons storage and maintenance. The facilities are surrounded by fortified bunkers, ammunition depots, airstrips, and railway connections that lead toward the Hami nuclear silos.

Military exercises and camouflaged launch positions

The images also reveal recent military exercises around the northern octagonal facility, in both April and May. Large tents, tracks from military vehicles, and camouflaged launch positions appear within the desert, some of which appear to be protected by anti-aircraft systems. Reuters reports that this is the first time the full extent of the launch base network, the recent military activity around the facilities, and the assessment that the bases can support mobile missiles and electronic warfare operations have been revealed.

China accelerates nuclear modernization

Five security experts who spoke to Reuters agreed that the infrastructure can support China's nuclear program, although critical details—such as the exact weapon systems to be deployed at the new bases—remain unknown. China showcased nuclear-capable weapons in a military parade in Beijing in September 2025, including DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missiles, of both fixed and mobile launch variants. American officials and arms control experts estimate that China is expanding its nuclear capabilities faster than any other country. The latest Pentagon report states that although the pace of nuclear warhead production has slowed, China is on track to possess 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030.

Early warning satellites and nuclear survival

China is also strengthening its early warning system through Huoyan-1 satellites. According to American officials, the system can detect an incoming intercontinental ballistic missile within 90 seconds of its launch and alert the command center within three to four minutes. This theoretically gives China enough time to launch its own missiles before its silos are hit.

"We have never seen anything like this"

Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, stated that it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the use of all the facilities, but "it is difficult to rule anything out" given the massive scale of the projects. He emphasized that the size of the defensive network near the silos differentiates China from other nuclear superpowers. As he characteristically said: "I have never seen anything like this. This is an extraordinary effort."

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