Satellite images reveal that China has constructed more than 80 launch pads for nuclear missiles in the Xinjiang autonomous region, within 150 kilometres of the Hami nuclear silo fields. The infrastructure, built over the past six years, includes octagon structures housing personnel and large military vehicles, linked by airfields and railheads.
Experts suggest the pads could be used for mobile air-defence missiles, electronic warfare nodes, or mobile ICBM units. Alexander Neill of the Pacific Forum think tank described the development as a 'very considerable enhancement and diversification of China's strategic nuclear deterrent'.
China's nuclear stockpile remains smaller than those of Russia and the US, but Pentagon reports indicate it is expanding faster than any other nation and is on track to reach 1,000 warheads by 2030. The country has also boosted early warning capabilities with Huoyan-1 satellites that can detect incoming ICBMs within 90 seconds.
Despite China's 'no first use' policy, diplomats believe Beijing might use nuclear coercion to deter foreign intervention in Taiwan. Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists called the Xinjiang development an 'extraordinary effort'.
